Rail Electrification: London to Swansea - 24th Jul, 2009

Sian James MP welcomes Prime Minister, Gordon Brown and Lord Adonis at Cardiff Train Station for Rail Electrification Announcement

On the 23rd of July, I was pleased to meet with the Prime Minister and Lord Adonis to witness the announcement of the £1bn Rail electrification project in Wales. Amongst the welcoming party at Cardiff Central station, were senior representative of the City and county of Swansea. Chris Mole Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Transport joined us on the journey back to Swansea Central station, where the electrification of the railway line will extend to. This decision will have a vital impact on the business and tourist economy in Swansea and the wider South West Wales area.

There are benefits for every one along this route, which is among one of the most populated in the UK.

I have long been working with my colleagues on the All Wales Rail APPG to ensure that rail remains a vibrant and progressive transportation option for our country.

This is a key route that was always an ideal candidate for electrification. I had met with Lord Adonis and other key players in the rail industry and had stressed this point.

The tunnel will be a challenge, but modern technology can overcome these so called problems. My next challenge is to ensure that Swansea sees the benefits of this decision.