 The Midland Railway saw the potential of the town, and determined to build its own line to Evesham.It obtained authorisation of a ten-mile Ashchurch and Evesham branch, by the Midland Railway (New Lines) Act of 7 June 1861.It was opened to goods trains on 1 July 1864, and to passengers on 1 October 1864; the Evesham station was immediately adjacent to the OW&WR station.