Gas Leak Near Didcot Keeps Major Rail Lines Closed, Passengers Told Not to Travel
A gas leak near Didcot in Oxfordshire has led to a rare 'do not travel' warning on key rail routes between London, the West Country and South Wales. Network Rail and gas distributor SGN are repairing the leak, but services remain cancelled or diverted until the safety cordon is lifted. Passengers are advised to expect extended journey times and crowded alternative services.
The disruption began on Wednesday 23 September 2026, when a gas leak was detected near railway land within the Didcot area, prompting an emergency safety exclusion zone. Network Rail and gas distributor SGN are working to repair the leak, but services cannot resume through the affected section until the cordon is lifted. The main lines between Reading and Swindon are most heavily impacted.
Great Western Railway services linking London Paddington with Bristol, South Wales, the Cotswolds and the South West are being cancelled, turned short, or diverted. Local stopping services in Oxfordshire and Berkshire are also affected. The "do not travel" designation is reserved for the most serious disruptions, and passengers with restrictive tickets are entitled to full refunds without administration fees, with relaxed exchange conditions offered.
This disruption could have a significant economic impact, as the affected corridor is one of Britain's busiest intercity routes. Commuters and business travellers may face extended journey times and crowded alternatives for several days, potentially affecting productivity and travel plans. The rare "do not travel" warning may also influence how passengers assess their rights to refunds, and could set a precedent for how future infrastructure emergencies are communicated to the public.