The government has announced a potential £58m plan to upgrade Cardiff Central Station, together with a commitment to progress plans for a new parkway station at Swansea, reducing journey times to West Wales.

Subject to the necessary assurances that the scheme represents value for money, the government says the upgrades will ease crowding and congestion through the station during peak periods, drive forward regeneration and enable longer trains with more seats to serve the capital.

Transport secretary Chris Grayling said: “Passengers in Cardiff deserve a modern, accessible station at the heart of their vibrant city centre. This funding has the potential to deliver just that, ensuring more reliable, comfortable and faster journeys into and out of the capital. It is imperative that the two governments in Wales work closely together – in doing so, this strengthens the Union and I look forward to receiving the proposals for an ambitious and deliverable business case.”

Secretary of state for Wales, Alun Cairns, said: “This funding will allow Cardiff to become an attractive tourist and commuter destination at a crucial time in the city’s regeneration. We are also committing to progressing plans for a West Wales Parkway station, near Swansea, which will deliver time savings of up to a quarter of an hour from Pembrokeshire to Cardiff and increase local connectivity around Swansea to provide greater opportunities for the whole of the Swansea Bay city region.”

The government say this investment builds on the £5bn currently being invested on improving journeys for passengers on the Great Western Mainline between South Wales and London, targeted at introducing more reliable and faster services, new trains and more seats.