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The first battery-powered train to run on Britain’s rail network in more than half a century carries its first passengers this week. This marks an important milestone in the project to demonstrate the viability of an eco-friendly battery-powered train for the twenty-first century.

On 27 December thousands of passengers using King's Cross and Paddington services, many of whom were travelling home after visiting friends and family, suffered severe delays and disruption. Network Rail launched an immediate investigation into what went wrong and today publishes its findings.

Network Rail completed its huge £200m investment programme this morning as major projects at Reading and London Bridge were completed and services restored for this morning's commuters.

Over the last few days there has been inaccurate reporting concerning the bonus entitlement of Network Rail's managing director, network operations, Robin Gisby. This press notice seeks to clarify the position absolutely:

A number of vital rail projects in Network Rail’s £200m investment programme to improve and maintain Britain's railway have been completed this morning as millions of people return to work by train.

King's Cross station reopened this morning (04:57) following the completion of late running improvement work north of the station.

Robin Gisby, managing director, network operations, Network Rail, said: "I'm deeply sorry for the delays, upset and upheaval caused today to passengers impacted by our overrunning improvement work outside King's Cross.