The damaged railway line at Dawlish could be reopened sooner than expected.

This is according to Transport News Active, which reported Network Rail has promised the government it will do everything in its power to restore services as soon as possible. 

Speaking to BBC Devon, rail minister Stephen Hammond commented the repair operation remained a high priority for the organisation, which has teams of workers operating round the clock to repair the damage caused by the recent storms.

He revealed he has received a commitment that Network Rail would try and beat the original target of mid-April. "They are also looking at the long-term options for the railway. This is a truly exceptional event and we need to invest," he said.

The government has also heard proposals that consider opening up an alternative route that will be less vulnerable to the effect of the sea. Meanwhile Network Rail is planning to spend £35 billion over the next three years to enhance the country's train services.