Trains linking Accrington to Manchester in less than 45 minutes remain on track.
Government transport bosses have pledged their backing for a bid to reinstate the Todmorden Curve, a break connecting the track not used since the 1960s.
Lancashire county council bosses have put the £8m project top of a rail wish list and they must now submit cash bids and a final business case to the government.
Transport minister Theresa Villiers spoke on the issue in the House of Commons last week, following a question from Pendle Conservative MP Andrew Stephenson.
Mrs Villiers said: “My officials stand ready, and are indeed working with the local authorities, to see how we might be able to help to take things forward.
“This is primarily a local matter, but there is the real prospect of a successful RGF bid.”
Hyndburn MP Graham Jones says the rail project is ‘well on track’ for a scheduled opening around October 2013.
He said: “The council must plan to take advantage and market this new opportunity.
“The journey time will be 42 minutes to Manchester Victoria.”
Commuters currently have to change at Hebden Bridge, Blackburn or Preston, or use the Witch Way bus service, all of which take over an hour.
