The first electric train has successfully run between Wigan and Bolton, marking a major milestone in a £100 million government-backed project to modernise rail travel across the North West of England.
Footage released by Network Rail shows a Northern service departing Wigan North Western at 01:15 and arriving in Bolton at 01:40 on Tuesday 3 June—the first time this 6.5-mile route has been powered by overhead electric lines.
The test run is part of a rigorous commissioning process ahead of full electric passenger services launching later this summer. The electrification project, funded by the Department for Transport, is expected to improve journey times, reduce emissions, and increase capacity on one of the region’s key commuter corridors.
Christian Irwin, Capital Delivery Director for the North West and Central region, commented:
“Seeing the first train operate in electric mode between Wigan to Bolton is a huge milestone as part of our significant investment into the railways in the North West. This moment wouldn’t have been possible without the partnership working across our supply chain, local partners and train operating companies, as well as our lineside neighbours, who we’d like to thank for their patience during construction.
“When fully operational in late summer, it will allow trains to operate in electric mode providing quieter and more reliable journeys, whilst improving air quality for communities along the 6.5-mile route. By extending the platforms at Hindley, Westhoughton and Ince stations we have also future-proofed the railway to allow longer trains to run in the years to come.”
Key infrastructure upgrades delivered since 2022 include:
- 21 km of overhead power lines installed
- 414 new stanchions erected
- 6 road bridges and 1 footbridge fully reconstructed
- 17 bridges and 2 level crossings modified
- Signalling and track upgrades completed
- Platform extensions at Hindley, Westhoughton, and Ince stations
These enhancements will allow for longer trains with more seats, improving comfort and capacity for passengers. The recent May timetable change also saw Ince station fully served by all services for the first time, significantly boosting local connectivity.
Rail Minister Lord Hendy added:
“Thanks to over £100m of government money, journeys between Wigan, Bolton and Manchester are set to become more reliable and greener, with the line also being able support longer electric trains, unlocking more seats for passengers.
“Cutting-edge projects, like this one, are at the heart of the government’s Plan for Change, investing in transport systems which are helping our environment, and supporting better access to jobs, education, and opportunities.
“This millions of pounds of government investment in the North West is modernising their transport links making travelling quicker, easier, and greener.”
The electrification of the Wigan–Bolton line is part of a broader strategy to modernise the North West’s rail network. Once operational, the route will offer greater flexibility for train operators to run electric services over longer distances, supporting regional growth and sustainability goals.
Network Rail and its partners will continue testing the infrastructure in the coming weeks to ensure reliability and safety before the line opens to electric-powered passenger services.
Image credit: Network Rail
