From 2009 to 2010 the RVR with help from K&ESR and volunteers were able to complete the extension westwards from near Bodiam station, through Quarry Farm, to the B2244 (Junction Road). The first official train ran on the weekend of 19/20 March 2011. Attention then focussed on extending from Robertsbridge to Northbridge Street, and this was followed by work to recast the Robertsbridge section in readiness for the planned eventual join-up with K&ESR's track, once the necessary permissions have been obtained and construction completed. A gala weekend in 2013 saw a steam passenger train operating at Robertsbridge for the first time since the early 1960s, running up to Northbridge Street. December 2016 saw the reconnection of the RVR to the Network Rail system some 50 years after closure. Planning permission to reinstate the final section eastwards from Northbridge Street to Junction Road was granted in 2017. RVR applied to the Secretary of State for a Transport and Works Act Order on 19 April 2018. Many representations for and against the scheme were submitted, and in June the Secretary of State for Transport announced that a public local inquiry would be held. This inquiry was scheduled to begin on 26 May 2020, was deferred, and is now expected in Summer 2021. Once held, the Inspector will submit a report to the Secretary of State, with recommendations. The application will then be decided by the Secretary of State. In Spring 2019 work began to prepare the former trackbed between Austen's Bridge and Junction Road for tracklaying, this work being substantially completed by the end of 2020. This section was acquired by RVR, leaving just two stretches still to be acquired.