Western Gateway Rail Deal to Connect 250,000 More People Across Wales and Western England

Politicians, business leaders, and industry experts gathered in Cardiff on Tuesday (28th) to launch the Western Gateway Rail Deal, a strategic plan aimed at transforming rail connectivity across South Wales and Western England. The plan sets out a roadmap for investment in new stations, track enhancements, and service improvements—potentially adding £17 billion in economic benefits to the UK economy.

Unlocking Rail Potential for 5 Million People

Developed in collaboration with Network Rail, Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales, and local authorities, the Rail Deal aims to:

• Connect an additional 248,000 people to the rail network
• Deliver up to 30 new stations
• Halve journey times for the 5 million residents in the region
• Boost cross-border economic growth through improved transport links

The initiative builds upon the Western Gateway Rail Vision launched in March 2023 and aligns with the Wales Rail Board’s investment priorities.

Key Infrastructure Priorities

The Rail Deal proposes a series of infrastructure projects, including:

• 🚉 The development of six new ‘Burns’ stations between Cardiff and Severn Tunnel Junction
• 🚄 Improved Cardiff-Bristol/Cheltenham services
• 🏗️ The proposed privately funded Cardiff Parkway station to support the Hendre Lakes development
• 🔧 Investment in the South Wales Relief Lines, increasing service frequency and reliability
• ⚡ Electrification of mainline services to Swansea, advancing Wales’ net zero goals

Driving Economic Growth Beyond London

The Western Gateway Partnership, which represents 28 local authorities, businesses, and universities, believes enhanced rail investment is key to unlocking the area’s economic potential. Research suggests that with continued cross-border collaboration, the region could become the fastest-growing economy outside London by 2030.

Leaders Call for Investment

Key figures at the launch underscored the importance of rail investment for regional development:

Sarah Williams-Gardener, Chair of the Western Gateway Partnership said:

“This Rail Deal is deliverable and proportionate to the extraordinary offer that our economy presents to the UK. We need clear strategic priorities to ensure we deliver change at pace.”

Cllr Huw Thomas, Leader of Cardiff Council and Vice-Chair of the Western Gateway, added:

“We can clearly demonstrate through this Rail Deal that we have a shared vision and ambition to deliver for our communities and address historic underfunding.”

Dan Okey, Head of Regional and Welsh Development at Great Western Railway, commented:

“At GWR, we believe in making the railway more inclusive, accessible, and an attractive proposition for customers. This Rail Deal aligns with our ambition for sustainable economic growth.”

David McCallum, Rail Lead at Transport for Wales, highlighted:

“Investment in the South Wales Relief Lines and the electrification of mainline services to Swansea will enhance connectivity and help Wales meet its net zero goals.”

Next Steps

The Western Gateway Rail Deal now calls on the UK Government to collaborate on funding and implementation. With a relatively modest investment, leaders believe they can deliver transformational improvements in rail connectivity—ensuring that South Wales and Western England realise their full economic potential.

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Read More: Western Gateway Launches Rail Deal

Read the Full Report:
🔗 Western Gateway Rail Vision Phase 2 Main Report