Trains could arrive in Leven in as little as four years if a campaign is given the right support, it has been claimed.
Levenmouth Rail Campaign (LMRC) is trying to persuade all of Scotland’s political parties to commit to supporting a rail link for the area in their election manifestos.
Transport Scotland would then have to include the scheme in its route plan when it is published this spring to ensure it is adopted by Network Rail.
LMRC chairman Eugene Clarke is confident an opening date of 2020 for the five-mile stretch of track between Leven and Thornton is achievable, although 2021 or 2022 is perhaps more realistic.
He cautioned, however, that the structure of Network Rail was under review which could cause some delay.
The Scottish Parliament election in May could be key to the group’s success, he said.
“We are trying to get a commitment to the line in all the political parties’ manifestos,” said Mr Clarke.
“None have said they are going to do it yet but the feedback we are getting is there will be some sort of support for it in all the manifestos.”
He added: “We will continue to meet the right people at Holyrood. They are holding the purse strings.”
The campaign to connect the disused track to the Fife circle line took a significant step forward in November when members of Fife Council’s executive committee approved the recommendations in a Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (Stag) report.
It backed reinstating the track for passengers and freight, a step seen as vital for regenerating Levenmouth and pulling people out of poverty.
More than 10,000 local people have signed a petition calling for the route to be reconnected and the issue has been a top transport priority for Fife Council for a number of years.
It also has the backing of Fife Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses.
Mr Clarke said: “There is a solid business case behind it.
“One of the key impacts on business is the availability of employment, and figures suggest the existence of a railway would create a 5% increase in job vacancies.
“It would have an impact not just across Fife but across the central belt.”