'Top priority' rail electrification could yet be delayed

South Wales rail electrification plans may have been spared the axe and given 'top priority' but that doesn't mean there won't be delays further down the line.

While today's announcements are undoubtedly bad news for other projects, the UK Government and Network Rail couldn't be clearer that all efforts will be directed towards electrifying the line from London to Swansea.

But the plan will be discussed as part of talks between the Transport Secretary and Network Rail aimed at 'resetting' what had been a £38bn, five-year scheme to transform Britain's railways by 2018.

So, while that five-year timetable, and 2018 deadline, remains in place for now, the UK Government is leaving wriggle room for the possibility that it might take longer to complete than envisaged.

A Department for Transport source told me that the Secretary of State is committed to electrifying the line all the way to Swansea and will make sure that it happens, but recognises the rising costs and other pressures faced by Network Rail.

The cost of the Great Western project has reportedly now increased to £1.7bn so when those 'reset' talks take place between now and the end of the summer, there could well be a hunt for savings, even from the 'top priority.'