Priorities for the future of Welsh Rail Infrastructure

considered in isolation. He suggested that any delay in electrification
to Swansea would increase capital costs and could jeopardise the
project.
However, Network Rail and Department for Transport (DfT)
sought to reassure us. Brian Etheridge of DfT reiterated the Secretary
of State’s commitment to electrifying all the way to Swansea.
“The overall commitment is undiminished. I think the Secretary
of State has made very clear that he’s not pausing any of these
programmes, he’s not stopping them, and the Hendy review
has not removed any from our agenda. …we’re still working
very, very hard to pin down the exact dates of delivery. So, I
think we’re very clear on Cardiff. We expect to move
seamlessly, as you say, to the rest of the route.” 7
Despite this reassurance, the Minister told us of her
disappointment at the delay in electrification west of Cardiff. She
acknowledged the commitment to delivery in CP 6 but told us “we
haven’t got anything solid in that regard” 8 . To bring certainty we
believe a firm commitment and delivery date is required urgently.
Welsh Government should seek absolute assurance that the
electrification of the South Wales Mainline will continue as a single
project, without a break, all the way to Swansea.
Cardiff Central Station
In our report on Rugby World Cup Transport Planning at the end
of 2015 we noted the urgent need for major redevelopment at Cardiff
Central. The report said:
“The Committee feel strongly that as a major gateway to Wales,
Cardiff Central Station does not meet the needs and
expectations of travellers. It is no longer fit for purpose to
welcome visitors to a modern European capital. The station
cannot cope with the demands placed upon it. It is vital that the
capacity of the station is redeveloped as soon as possible in
7
Enterprise and Business Committee, written transcript, 11 February 2016, para 397.
8
Enterprise and Business Committee, written transcript, 24 February 2016, Para 79.
16