The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word MAINLINE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
M
A
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N
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More clues leading to the result MAINLINE
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Route" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case route = mainline.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does MAINLINE mean?
MAINLINE noun- An airline's main operating unit, as opposed to codeshares or regional subsidiaries.
- The main repository for a software project, from which different versions (forks) may be split off.
- To inject (a drug) directly into a vein.
- To integrate (code, etc.) into the main repository for a software project, rather than separate forks.
- Normal, principal or standard.
- Of or pertaining to the principal route or line of a railway.
- Of or pertaining to a surface railway as distinct from an underground, elevated or light rail one.