GOVERNMENT plans to undermine Network Rail could spark a national rail strike, railway workers warned today.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has announced his intention of creating a permanent new operator, the East Coast Partnership, on the East Coast Mainline.

Virgin abandoned its ownership of the franchise in June, despite its contract running until 2023.

Mr Grayling replaced the service with the London North Eastern Railway (LNER), a publicly owned business, whose contract will end in 2020.

The new partnership, which will launch by the time of LNER’s expiration date, aims to manage both the trains and track system.

This is a break from the current system, where Network Rail maintains the tracks and regional franchises operate train services.

The House of Commons transport committee has expressed concern at the proposals, accusing Mr Grayling of failing to properly consider if his proposals will improve services or not.

Rail union TSSA warned the move against Network Rail could spark industrial unrest.

TSSA general secretary Manuel Cortes said: “Any plan to break up Network Rail and hand its assets over to privateers is likely to lead to a national rail strike.

“Those who don’t learn from history are condemned by it.

“MPs on the transport committee are right – Grayling is conducting an outrageous experiment without proper consultation and certainly not with the aim of improving services for passengers.  

“He should junk these crazy proposals without delay and instead draw up plans for a public rail system which really offers safety and value for money, before Tory zeal for the profit motive threatens lives on the railways.”

The Department for Transport declined to outline the timescale of the partnership’s creation, calling it an “evolutionary process, not a single date.”

It said the new approach will be designed by both Network Rail and LNER so will be “developed by people with a real understanding of the railway.”