What evaluation has been done by the Cabinet Secretary of the costs and benefits of straightening the railway track line between Swansea and Cardiff?
Responsibility for directing Network Rail in Wales and funding for rail infrastructure has not been devolved. When the Secretary of State for Transport announced his decision on 20 July 2017 to cancel plans to electrify the Great Western Main Line between Cardiff and Swansea, he stated that he had asked Network rail to consider options for improving journeys for passengers in Wales – including improving journey times and connections between Swansea and Cardiff.
I am now pressing the UK Government to confirm funding for this development work to be progressed in the near future which should include the consideration of options for achieving a step change in journey times between the two cities.