The Cambrian railway line will get a £3 million state-of-the-art digital signalling system, it was announced today.

The UK Government Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has today announced £3m in funding to advance plans for upgraded signalling on the 241km Cambrian line from Shrewsbury Sutton Bridge Junction to Aberystwyth and Pwllheli.

The system will modernise the network, improving reliability of services, and supporting the introduction of a new fleet being rolled out across the network in December 2022, the minister said.

In addition, almost £2m has been made available for the next phase of development work on proposals to speed up journeys between Cardiff and Swansea, Chester and Llandudno Junction, and the Severn Tunnel and Cardiff, through better aligned tracks and exploring putting additional services on the lines.

And £5.8m has been released to fund work on a new, modern design for the Cardiff Central station upgrade.

Mr Shapps said: “The host of improvements we are delivering across Wales, from huge infrastructure upgrades to creating new and modern stations, are vital to deliver better, quicker and more convenient journeys for passengers within, into and out of Wales.

“We want to transform travel for passengers and, as we build back better from Covid-19, we will ensure our investment helps to level up all parts of the UK.

“By upgrading, improving and – crucially - modernising our railways, we will make good on our promise to deliver the reliable journeys passengers deserve.”

David TC Davies, the UK Government Minister in Wales, said: “Communities across Wales will benefit from this multi-million-pound package of rail investment, aimed at delivering rail services that are fit for the future.

“From proposals to speed up services, improving access for those who need it most and boosting connectivity, these improvements form part of our broader plans to level up the nations and regions of the UK as we rebuild our economy following the coronavirus.”

Almost £4m has already been invested towards building a new station at Bow Street, between Borth and Aberystwyth, to help improve connectivity and ease congestion on roads in the area. The station is expected to open early next year.

All projects are expected to be completed by 2024 at the latest.