The UK government has announced plans to construct a new railway line from Swansea to Heathrow airport. This will come as a relief to passengers from Swansea because this railway line will take an hour less than the normal time.
At the moment, travelers have to use London Paddington or reading so as to reach Heathrow. The network rail director confirmed that a budget of £500 has been proposed and is awaiting approval by the UK government. He stated that if the budget is approved, construction would begin immediately. The railway line as expected will be fully functional by the year 2021.
Mr. Patrick Hallgate stated that their main goal is to improve rail links between Heathrow airport and west London. This way they will be able to reduce congestion in the existing railway line and hence improve services to travelers.
He guarantees that the construction of the new line would be a big boost to the local economy. The new line will go from Swansea to reading then branch to a junction between Langley and Iver before entering a tunnel that goes to terminal 5 of London Heathrow airport.
Mr. Patrick added that they are hoping to start consultations this year in order to get views from the locals before construction actually begins.
Heathrow’s CEO, Mr. Colin Matthews who was also present stated that the new railway line would boost the economy. He added that it would significantly improve access to overseas markets.
By Oliver Derek
