| 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, Secretary of State for Wales Peter Hain said today.
But he warned that an axe was hanging over the £1billion scheme if there was a change of Government.
Visiting Bristol Temple Meads Railway Station this morning on his way to a regional Cabinet meeting at Exeter, Mr Hain said: “This Government is committed to improving our railways, boosting the economy and reducing emissions.
“This £1billion scheme will update the strategic Swansea to London railway line into a route fit for the 21st century, improving comfort and reliability for passengers as electric trains are faster, quieter, cleaner and more reliable than diesels.
“This is great news 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.
“Unfortunately all this is in jeopardy as the project faces cancellation under savage, too-hasty cuts being proposed by our opponents. We must not allow this to happen.�
At Bristol Temple Meads station, Mr Hain saw the Bristol Signal Box which controls all the signalling within the Bristol area and is a vital part of the rail infrastructure. As part of the electrification scheme, all signalling will need to be replaced with a modern system.
Electrified services between London and Bristol are planned to begin by the end of 2016, and London to Swansea by the end of 2017. |
