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Network Rail has thrown its support firmly behind plans for Crossrail 2, a new cross-London railway which would relieve congestion and provide much-needed extra capacity on some of the most crowded sections of the Underground and national rail networks.

The redeveloped King’s Cross station has been given the royal seal of approval after a tour of the restored train shed and new western concourse by the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.

Network Rail has today welcomed the Government’s announcement on the proposed route of HS2 phase 2 as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform both the railway and connectivity in this country.

Local communities are to get improved access to rail services in England and Wales thanks to a £20m fund which will help towards the cost of building new stations.

Work on preparing for the latest test facility on the national rail network is progressing well, with the refurbishment of the train at Wembley and training of signallers at King’s Cross.

Due to start work this summer, the Hertford National Integration Facility (HNIF) will see European Train Control System (ETCS) kit from four suppliers put through its paces on a five-mile section of the Hertford loop.

Network Rail refreshed and expanded the data available on its website’s transparency portal today: www.networkrail.co.uk/transparency

Another track record was broken over Christmas when Network Rail’s track renewal system enjoyed a rare period of unbroken work on the West Coast main line.

Punctuality on the railways reached 88.2% during Period 10, according to monthly performance data released today by Network Rail.