Rail operators today expressed dismay at fresh delays to decision-making on the future of the York-London rail link.

The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) has been told by Railtrack of an increase in its cost estimates for the long-planned upgrade of the East Coast Main Line.

And the news has forced the SRA to today call for a "pause" in the franchising process, angering the train companies involved.

A decision on the 20-year franchise was due last autumn.

Over the last two years, a York-based upgrade team - which is over 100 strong - has undertaken studies on the line at a cost of at least £200m.

But Railtrack has now revealed cost increases of between 20 and 100 per cent on the project, which is set to realise the dream of journeys from York to London in less than 90 minutes.

The ballooning of costs has been blamed on indecision by the SRA, with Railtrack claiming the increases have come due to the uncertainty over the franchise announcement and how the line will be used.

A spokesman said: "There cannot be a definitive plan for the route modernisation until the SRA has produced its Strategic Plan."

GNER chief executive Christopher Garnett has expressed his "deep disappointment" at the announcement of the deferment.

"We had hoped for an early, favourable decision," he said.

"This pause in the process is deeply disappointing in that our passengers will not benefit as quickly as we had hoped from the major investment that we have planned."

Mike Grant, chief executive of the SRA, said: "Obviously, this new information must now generate a pause in the refranchising process while we review the contents and causes of this increase from Railtrack."

Both Virgin and GNER have produced plans to increase capacity and cut journey times as part of their submission to the SRA in their attempt to win the franchise.

Sir Richard Branson said Virgin's was the better bid and would involve fewer infrastructure costs than that of GNER.

It is thought that the SRA had recommended that GNER be awarded the franchise; however, the long delay is believed to have happened because the Treasury is keener on the Virgin bid.

The Rail Passengers' Council said the news would come as a blow to passengers already blighted by slow, delayed and often cancelled services.

Updated: 12:26 Thursday, February 15, 2001