A landmark joint commitment between the UK and Welsh Governments will modernise rail across Wales, support more than 12,000 jobs and unlock billions in long‑term economic value. This coordinated plan marks a clear break from what ministers describe as years of “chronic chop‑and‑changing and underinvestment”, replacing it with a stable pipeline of projects designed to transform Welsh connectivity for decades.
Today (Wednesday 18 February), the Prime Minister will formally endorse Transport for Wales’ (TfW) long‑term rail vision, confirming it as the framework for the UK Government’s project pipeline. Both governments will now work in partnership to accelerate delivery of this new era of Welsh rail investment.
A Transformational Pipeline Backed by Billions
Building on the Welsh Government’s £1.1bn Core Valley Lines upgrade and £800m new fleet investment, the UK Government has committed almost £500m from this Spending Review to deliver major new projects — including seven new stations set to reshape travel for commuters and communities across Wales:
- Magor and Undy
- Llanwern
- Cardiff East
- Newport West
- Somerton
- Cardiff Parkway
- Deeside Industrial Park
These stations will significantly increase capacity, enable more frequent services and support job creation across the South Wales and North Wales corridors.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
“For too long, Wales has been let down by a UK government unwilling to do the hard yards and build the future they deserve.
This government is turning the page on historic dither and delay with seven new stations, thousands of jobs, and a generational commitment to build a rail network fit for Wales’ future.
This isn’t tinkering nor sticking plasters. This is investment for the long term - and change communities will feel. This is putting Wales on the front foot and getting Britain building again.”
Major New Infrastructure Across Wales
- Magor and Undy is expected to be the first new station completed, with construction starting later this year.
- Cardiff Parkway, designed to serve 800,000 passengers annually, will unlock around 6,000 jobs in East Cardiff’s new business district.
- A brand‑new Deeside station will support growth along the increasingly important Wrexham–Liverpool corridor.
First Minister Eluned Morgan said:
“We are now in an unprecedented position to deliver the next chapter of transformation for rail services in Wales… I’m pleased to see backing for the essential work at Padeswood and Buckley… and we remain committed to working closely with all partners to complete the full business case and development plans.”
A Vision Backed by Industry
TfW’s long-term vision document — “Today, Tomorrow, Together: A Vision for Wales across Wales and Borders” — sets out a bold pipeline of 43 transformational schemes estimated at up to £14bn. Benefits include:
- £6.3bn in wider economic uplift
- 13.3 million new rail journeys annually
- 3.8 million fewer car journeys per year
- 55,000 tonnes of CO₂ saved yearly
Vernon Everitt, Chair of Transport for Wales, said:
“Transport is an enabler of sustainable economic growth… Today we set out a potential pipeline of future projects which will bring further benefits across the whole of Wales, and I am thrilled that today the UK and Welsh Governments have backed this vision wholeheartedly.”
Key Projects Progressing Now
- South East Wales “Burns Stations” — £90m allocated for five new stations to ease M4 congestion.
- South Wales Relief Lines Upgrade — £40m to increase speeds, unlock capacity and support freight and passenger growth.
- Cardiff Central Station Transformation — £77.8m UKG funding, with major works due to start in Spring 2026.
- Cardiff West Junction Enhancements — up to £30m to expand Core Valley Lines service frequencies.
- Wrexham–Liverpool upgrades — improvements at Padeswood, Buckley and Deeside to unlock two trains per hour.
- North Wales Coast Safety Improvements — around £30m for new accessible footbridges and a 50% boost to TfW services by May 2026.
Image credit: iStock
