The Assembly Government has unveiled plans for £52 million of improvements for the rail network in south Wales.
Newport Station is to receive a £22 million major regeneration, which is planned for completion by the 2010 Ryder Cup.
Other planned investment includes new platforms, including four at Cardiff’s Queen Street Station and £30 million will go towards extra carriages, with the aim of reducing congested services.
Ministers say that these investments will allow for more peak-time commuter services and meet increasing passenger numbers.
Cardiff and the surrounding Valleys’ £30 million funding will run alongside Network Rail’s £200 million re-signalling project, also focused on the Cardiff area.
The Assembly Government will make up £7 million of the total £30 million worth of investment in Cardiff, with the rest being paid for by the Department of Transport.
The Newport refurbishment will receive £7.7 million from the Assembly Government in funding and Network Rail is to contribute £15 million.
Welsh Transport Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said: “It will improve capacity in our capital’s major train stations and have benefits for the Valleys by increasing the number of seats on trains and improving services.”
Dave Ward, Route Director for Network Rail, said: “Passengers are the real winners if the proposal goes ahead.
“Already, 67% of train journeys in Wales are within South Wales and this number is set to grow. This proposal could address the future demand, by easing capacity issues and improving train services.”
