WIREDGOV

Secretary of State for Wales Peter Hain today welcomed the announcement that plans were progressing on the £1 billion scheme to electrify the main South Wales to London railway line.

Transport Minister Lord Adonis re-affirmed the Government’s commitment to electrify to electrify the Great Western Main Line from London to South Wales, plus a £250m investment in the Strategic Freight Network as part of his announcement on a new High Speed Rail network for the . 

Rail travellers from are also set to benefit from a proposed new interchange station west of Paddington that will help cut the journey times to London’s West End, Docklands and rail routes to Europe .

Welcoming the announcement, Mr Hain said:  “The electrification of the main South Wales to London railway line will bring economic and environmental benefits, shorten journey times and improve services to rail passengers. This Government is committed to improving our railways, boosting the economy and reducing emissions.

“This will create an economic boost for the whole rail corridor area between South Wales and London, reducing minimum journey times between London and Swansea by 19 minutes and increasing capacity on peak morning and evening intercity services by at least 15 per cent.“

Mr Hain added: “Rail passengers from will also benefit as key local, national and international rail networks through and from London become better integrated. The new interchange station proposed just west of Paddington, with the benefits of the Crossrail scheme being built over the next seven years, will deliver a faster and more frequent services for Welsh rail passengers travelling to London’s West End, the City and Docklands, as well as Heathrow Airport and rail routes to Europe .”