Branch line boost for Cornwall
The line between Truro and Falmouth will be upgraded with most of the money coming from the EU, Cornwall County Council and Network Rail, which oversees Britain's rail infrastructure.
The scheme will create passing points on the popular commuter and tourist line, which will mean that more than one train can shuttle back and forth at any time.
"This is a great scheme that by increasing the capacity for rail passengers, will remove car-users from the congested road between Truro and Falmouth and reduce environmental pollution."
The Truro to Falmouth route, which is promoted as The Maritime Line by the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership, has witnessed an increase in passenger numbers of nearly 70 per cent in ten years.
In 1997, an estimated 156,000 journeys were made on the line, while a decade later, the number had mushroomed to 261,000 journeys.
Rail Partnership Manager, Richard Burningham, welcomed the announcement, which is to be made today.
"This is great news.
"The Maritime Line has been getting busier and busier over the last few years with 67 per cent more passengers using it now than ten years ago.
"This radical improvement will make the railway better still for them and attract many more people to the trains.
"My congratulations to Cornwall County Council and the other partners for pulling this off."
The scheme won backing worth just under £5 million from the EU's Convergence Programme, plus £2.5 million from Cornwall County Council and £600,000 from Network Rail.
Train operator First Great Western also gave its support.
Detailed design work is expected to begin in October with a new timetable commencing next May.
The project will provide a passing loop near Penryn Station and mean a once-an-hour service will double.
It is also planned that passengers using Truro's new park-and-ride, which opens in August, will be able to buy through tickets.
Diana Mompoloki, head of convergence for the South West of England Regional Development Agency, said the investment would provide a wider economic boost.
"This improved rail link will have a significant economic impact, helping to boost productivity by reducing travel times, reinforcing links and help underpin environmentally sustainable growth in Truro, Penryn and Falmouth."
Julian Crow, First Great Western's Regional Manager for the West of England, also welcomed the announcement.
"Cornwall's branch lines are carrying more passengers than ever and we are really pleased to be working with Cornwall County Council to make the Truro to Falmouth line so much more useful to local customers and the local economy."
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