Work to deliver more than 25 additional trains a day on the Redditch line is under way

WORK TO deliver more than 25 additional trains a day on the Redditch line is under way, aiming to boost connectivity and support local economic growth.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed detailed design work had started for Midlands Rail Hub’s first phase. This will boost Cross-City Line capacity and significantly enhance connectivity for Redditch commuters.

During Department for Transport oral questions in the House of Commons, Redditch MP Chris Bloore pressed the Secretary of State on the timeline for critical engineering upgrades, emphasising their importance on economic growth.

He said: “Rail bottlenecks choke regional trade and hold back Redditch businesses. Delivering the Midlands Rail Hub is fundamentally both pro-business and pro-worker.”

The Secretary of State reassured the House an alliance of industry partners had been appointed by Network Rail to design the required infrastructure.

Active consultations are taking place on key corridor upgrades between Birmingham Moor Street and Bordesley.

Ms Alexander told the Commons: “Following the Government’s decision to move forward with the first phase of the Midlands Rail Hub at the spending review last summer, detailed design work has commenced.

“We are now working hard to deliver benefits to passengers as soon as possible.”

Mr Bloore added: “For too long, Redditch has been held back by poor transport links.

“They make it harder for people to get to work. They make it harder for businesses to grow. They make it harder for our town to attract investment.

“The Midlands Rail Hub is not just a transport project. It is an investment in the future of our economy.

“Better rail connections mean more opportunities for local businesses. They mean more reliable journeys for commuters.”

New train services enabled by the scheme are expected to come online in the 2030s.