The benefits of the new strategy include:

• 125 mph route capability for tilting trains delivering much faster journey times;
• capacity for 80 per cent more long distance passenger trains than today;
• capacity for 60 - 70 per cent more freight traffic than at present;
• better and more resilient performance; and
• improved safety measures

The first improvements will come on stream in Autumn 2004 and will include four trains an hour on the existing London - Birmingham service instead of two to boost frequency and provide 125 mph service. Faster trains will also be added to the Manchester - London service, taking half an hour off the journey time.

Mr Darling said:

"This is good news for the West Coast Main Line's long suffering passengers. Within 2 years, passengers will begin to see major improvements with faster, more frequent and more reliable services.

With the establishment of Network Rail, we can now get to grips with the modernisation of the UK's most important rail route."