Seven new UK rail stations announced in major £14bn rail plan | UK | News
The UK Government has announced plans for seven new railway stations across Wales as part of a £14bn investment in rail infrastructure. This week the government confirmed its commitment to overhauling Wales’ rail network through 43 proposed projects, a program aimed at creating around 12,000 jobs across the country at an estimated total cost of up to £14bn. The move forms part of a long-term strategy to modernize the network and support regional economic growth. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the funding commitment as a “long-term investment”, promising it would create thousands of jobs and also improve transport links for commuters.
Construction of five stations in south-east Wales is expected to start later this year, while a further two stations are expected to be completed in 2029. The first stations completed are expected to be Magor and Undy. The UK government has said the Cardiff Parkway in east Cardiff alone is expected to serve around 800,000 passengers each year and create up to 6,000 new jobs. These developments aim to make it easier for workers to travel to Cardiff and Newport and boost regional economic growth.
The plans form part of the wider Transport Wales ‘vision’, which includes improvements such as extensions to Cardiff Crossrail, direct services between Cardiff and Liverpool, a station at St Clears, additional trains to Pembroke Dock and improvements to the Wrexham-Liverpool line. Cardiff Central Station is also due for a multi-million pound refurbishment; Work will begin this spring and be completed by 2029.
Sir Keir Starmer said: “Wales have been let down for too long by a UK government unwilling to do the tough work and build the future they deserve.
“This government is turning the page on historic indecision and delay with seven new stations, thousands of jobs and a generational determination to build a rail network fit for Wales’ future.
“This isn’t tinkering or plastering. This is a long-term investment and communities will feel it. This is about putting Wales first and enabling Britain to rebuild.”
Transport Minister Heidi Alexander added: “Railways in Wales have been left behind for too long and passengers deserve better.
“These are long overdue for much faster, more reliable, better rail links to jobs and opportunities, and infrastructure that supports communities and growth.
“Today’s announcements will help deliver exactly that, with new stations up and down Wales, from Cardiff to Deeside.”
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