The UK and Welsh governments have announced they have partnered together on a £2.7 million study, funded by the UK government, to develop options for new stations and services on the South Wales Main Line. 

The study follows Lord Hendy’s recommendations from his review of transport connectivity across the UK, which put forward the need to relieve congestion on the M4.

A series of options will be considered as part of this study, among which is the development of five new stations between Cardiff and Severn Tunnel.

Transport Minister, Richard Holden said:

“Delivering better transport links is a vital part of how we transform opportunities for people from across the United Kingdom.

“That’s why I am so delighted that, working with the Welsh Government, we are getting the ball rolling on in-depth work to boost connectivity and drive growth.

Following the publication of Lord Peter Hendy’s Union Connectivity Review in 2021, the UK government committed to forging and strengthening transport links that will create a more cohesive and connected United Kingdom.

Research carried out for the report specifically highlighted how important travel across the border between Wales and England is, with a large number of people travelling daily for work, services and leisure.