Train manufacturer Siemens is on the verge of securing a £1.6 billion contract that will see the firm supply new carriages for use on the Thameslink rail line.

The Department for Transport (DfT) announced it had decided to award the rolling stock deal to the company, although a mandatory 'Alcatel' period must be observed before the agreement can be officially confirmed. This is a standard practice after an arrangement has been made and usually lasts for at least ten days.

Siemens will provide 1,140 new carriages and this forms part of a wider £6 billion project aimed at improving reliability and increasing capacity on the Thameslink route.

A statement by the DfT read: "A new interchange at Farringdon will also give Thameslink passengers access to Crossrail for east-west journeys across London."

The government and Network Rail are under increasing pressure to enhance the nation's railway infrastructure, as the rapidly rising population is expected to put an enormous amount of strain on the existing network, particularly in London.