A major UK Government commitment to modernise rail across Wales is set to support 12,000 jobs, marking one of the most significant rail investment pledges in decades.
The plan, jointly developed by the UK Government and Welsh Government, sets out a long‑term programme designed to end years of underinvestment and deliver a reliable, modern transport network for communities across Wales.
Prime Minister endorsement of Transport for Wales’ (TfW) vision – Today, Tomorrow, Together: A Vision for Wales across Wales and Borders – will ensure this strategy becomes the framework for future rail projects, with both governments agreeing to deliver the pipeline “as quickly as possible”.
Using almost £500 million committed during the Spending Review, the UK Government will fund the construction of seven new railway stations, described as a “massive win” for commuters and the construction sector. These will be located at:
- Magor and Undy
- Llanwern
- Cardiff East
- Newport West
- Somerton
- Cardiff Parkway
- Deeside Industrial Park
Work on five of these — Magor and Undy, Llanwern, Cardiff East, Newport West and Somerton — will begin later this year, with Magor and Undy expected to be completed first.
The new Cardiff Parkway station is forecast to serve 800,000 passengers annually and unlock 6,000 jobs in the surrounding industrial area, supported by a joint funding approach between the UK Government, Welsh Government and private investors.
In North Wales, a new station at Deeside Industrial Park will support the upgrade of the Wrexham–Liverpool line, improving connectivity across the wider UK.
Transport for Wales currently estimates that all proposed schemes within its long‑term pipeline could total up to £14 billion. While future Spending Reviews will confirm exact funding allocations, both governments emphasise that this represents a “generational transformational commitment”.
This plan builds on the Welsh Government’s existing investment of £1.1 billion for upgrading and electrifying the Core Valley Lines, and £800 million for a brand-new, modern rail fleet.
Together, these programmes will deliver more frequent, more reliable services and strengthen rail infrastructure across Wales.
TfW’s long-term vision sets out the expected benefits of delivering 43 rail schemes already under development, including £6.3 billion in wider economic benefits, up to 13.3 million new rail journeys each year, 3.8 million fewer car journeys, reducing road traffic by 115 million vehicle kilometres annually, and 55,000 tonnes of CO₂ saved each year.
The construction programme alone will create:
- Over 1,000 permanent jobs
- More than 6,000 construction jobs
- Thousands more supported in industries reliant on improved transport links
This aligns with the Prime Minister’s wider plans to “get Britain building” and ensure people across Wales can access new jobs, opportunities and affordable travel.
Commenting on the commitment, 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.”
Delivery of the rail pipeline will be overseen by the Wales Rail Board, an intergovernmental body comprising the UK Government, the Welsh Government, Transport for Wales and Network Rail. The UK Government has fully endorsed TfW’s vision and committed to delivering projects in partnership, marking a new era of collaborative rail planning for Wales.
With major upgrades, new stations and transformative economic benefits on the horizon, government leaders say this marks the start of a modern, sustainable and future‑proof rail system for Wales.
Image credit: iStock
