What plans does the Minister have to verify the estimated costings of £2 billion submitted by Transport for Wales to reopen the rail lines between Carmarthen and Aberystwyth, and between Afon Wen and Bangor in Gwynedd?
Transport for Wales carried out an initial WelTAG stage 1 study into options to improve transport links between north and south Wales. This provided an early estimate that the total cost of delivering a West Wales direct limited stop Carmarthen – Aberystwyth – Bangor rail service would be around £2 billion. This work is being carried out in collaboration with Siân Gwenllian MS, the Plaid Cymru lead designated member, as part of the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.
Rail infrastructure in Wales is not devolved, and remains the responsibility of the UK Government to fund and deliver. If funding were available detailed design work would be needed before carrying out the project, which would provide more detailed costs.