Basingstoke MP Maria Miller today welcomed the announcement by Transport Secretary Justine Greening of major new investment in the railway system, which will include some significant benefits for rail users in Basingstoke.

The Government has announced plans for the railway from 2014 to 2019, confirming £16 billion of government funding, including over £9 billion of infrastructure investment.  This will include the electrification of the cross-country route through Basingstoke, from Southampton to Reading, with links to the Midlands and further north, as part of an “Electric Spine”.

The announcement also includes increased rail capacity for commuters, with over £700 million to be invested on the most congested routes in London and the South East and £350 million to be spent on lengthening the platforms at London Waterloo Station to accommodate longer trains.

Maria said: “This is great news for Basingstoke rail users.  Over-crowding is a real problem for peak-time commuters to London, and the improvements announced today will help to provide the additional passenger capacity that is much needed. The electrification of the cross-country line through Basingstoke is also an exciting development, and will not only improve passengers’ journeys, but will also boost freight capacity to help our businesses to prosper.”