Rail regulator backs Reading plan

An elevated railway will separate freight and passenger services

A £400m project to transform Reading station has been given the green light by the Office of Rail Regulation.

The regulator has told Network Rail (NR) it will have just under £27bn to spend in the next five years with much of the money going on big projects.

NR wanted £2.4bn more but has been told to increase its efficiency to cover any budget shortfalls.

Reading East MP Rob Wilson said it was critical money was not diverted from the Reading plan, due to start in 2010.

He added: "This project is very important for Reading and the cash which has been given must be focused on strategic projects like this.

Ease overcrowding

"This development is not just crucial for the town, Reading station is a hub and affects as far afield as Wales, the south west and the north west."

Under the proposals, five new platforms, an elevated railway, a new station entrance and a new train depot will be built.

It is hoped the project will allow more trains to run through Reading, reduce delays on the Western route and ease overcrowding at the station.

Earlier this month, Mr Wilson argued against the idea of bringing forward the upgrade by the government in a bid to boost employment.

He said "rushing" the station could lead to poor planning and mistakes.

"Just because the chancellor has economic difficulties rushing the project would cause many problems," he said.