THE electrification of the rail network in Wales will include the Ebbw valley line it was announced today.

The Valley lines, of which the Ebbw valley line is a part, were originally not included in a plan to electrify part of the network in South Wales, but Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan announced the Government had rethought its plans and would also be electrifying the commuter lines in the South Wales valleys.

The UK Government also said today the electrification of the Great Western rail line will be extended as far as Swansea, after agreeing last year to electrify the line only as far west as Cardiff. They faced heavy lobbying to extend the investment further west.

Marking the announcement at Swansea railway station, Mrs Gillan said: "I repeatedly said that the case for electrification to Swansea and the Valleys was unfinished business, and this announcement underlines my determination to ensure a modern efficient railway system in Wales which is fit for the 21st century.

"Improved rail connectivity is a vital component for delivering a successful Welsh economy and we can now look forward to a modern and efficient rail system in Wales.’’ Extending the electrification of the main rail line will cut up to 20 minutes from the three-hour journey between Paddington and Swansea.

Once the project, as well as the valleys upgrade, is completed, two-thirds of people in Wales will be served by an electrified train service from their local station.

And as well as cutting journey times, the decision to electrify the main line to Swansea means newer, longer trains will be able to run on the line, powered by overhead cables.