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UK Government Unveils £14 Billion Generational Rail Investment for Wales: Seven New Stations and Major Upgrades to Boost Jobs and Connectivity

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Welsh Government commit to transform Welsh rail with new stations, electrification, and economic growth—supporting 12,000 jobs and cutting carbon emissions

A Landmark Commitment to Welsh Rail


Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan have announced a transformative £14 billion investment in Wales’ rail infrastructure, aiming to revitalize connectivity, create jobs, and drive economic growth. The plan includes seven new stations, upgrades to existing lines, and a long-term pipeline of projects to modernize the network.


  • Seven New Stations: The new stations—Magor and Undy, Llanwern, Cardiff East, Newport West, Somerton, Cardiff Parkway, and Deeside Industrial Park—will improve access to jobs, reduce congestion, and support local economies.
  • Economic Impact: The investment will create over 1,000 permanent jobs and 6,000 construction jobs, while supporting thousands more in industries reliant on improved transport.
  • Environmental Benefits: The upgrades will reduce car journeys by 3.8 million annually, cutting 115 million vehicle kilometers and 55,000 tonnes of CO₂ each year.


Key Projects and Funding


The Transport for Wales (TfW) Vision Document, "Today, Tomorrow, Together", outlines a pipeline of 43 schemes, with an estimated total cost of up to £14 billion. The UK Government has already allocated £445 million in the 2025 Spending Review, including:


  • £90 million for the five new "Burns" stations (Magor and Undy, Llanwern, Cardiff East, Newport West, Somerton), with construction starting this year.
  • £40 million for the South Wales Relief Lines upgrade, increasing line speeds and capacity between Cardiff and Severn Tunnel Junction.
  • £59.8 million for Cardiff Central Station, bringing total UK Government funding to £77.8 million and transforming Wales’ busiest station.
  • £30 million for Wrexham-Liverpool line improvements, including a new station at Deeside Industrial Park and upgrades near Padeswood Cement Works.
  • £30 million for safety and service improvements on the North Wales Coast Mainline, including new footbridges to replace high-risk level crossings.


Collaboration and Long-Term Vision


The investment reflects a new era of cooperation between the UK and Welsh Governments, following years of underinvestment and fragmented planning. The Wales Rail Board, comprising UK and Welsh Governments, TfW, and Network Rail, will oversee delivery.


  • Cardiff Parkway: A new station in the Hendre Lakes development will serve 800,000 passengers annually and unlock 6,000 jobs in the surrounding business park.
  • Network North Wales: Upgrades to the Wrexham-Liverpool line will enable two trains per hour, improving connectivity and supporting economic growth.
  • Core Valley Lines: Building on the £1.1 billion upgrade, the investment will further electrify and modernize the network, increasing service frequencies.


Statements from Leaders


  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer: "This isn’t tinkering nor sticking plasters. This is investment for the long term—and change communities will feel."
  • First Minister Eluned Morgan: "When you have the ambition, the commitment, and the will, real progress follows—and we have all three."
  • Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens: "This investment will transform the experience of thousands of passengers and better connect people with jobs."
  • Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander: "Passengers deserve faster, more reliable, better rail connections to jobs and opportunities."