PLANS have been unveiled to electrify part of the rail line between Bolton and Wigan - at a cost of £78m.

Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris has today announced the scheme from Lostock Junction to Wigan's North Western station.

Thirteen miles of track will be electrified under the initiative, which should be completed by 2024-25.

Bolton South East MP Yasmin Qureshi had been lobbying for the move for some time, after the electrification of the Bolton to Preston corridor was completed in 2019.

Ministers say the scheme will be an environmental filip, with carbon-dioxide emitting diesel trains replaced by electric rolling stock.

The trains, which would pass through Westhoughton, Hindley and Ince stations, would also have extra capacity, says Mr Heaton-Harris, allowing for "greener, more comfortable and more reliable journeys"

He added: "As we Build Back Better and create a railway that truly works for passengers, I am delighted to give this rail upgrade the go-ahead.

“This significant investment will provide a service around Greater Manchester that is better for both passengers and the environment, ensuring our railway plays its part in meeting our ambitious net zero ambitions.”

Phil James, North West route director at Network Rail, said: “To help the region recover from the pandemic, we’re turning over a new leaf thanks to the £78m investment to electrify the railway between Wigan and Lostock Junction.

“This environmentally and passenger-centric scheme will be a game changer for Greater Manchester’s railway as more electric trains mean better air quality, less railway noise and more reliable and spacious journeys for rail travellers.”

And Nick Donovan, rail operator Northern's managing director at Northern, added: “The electrification of the line between Wigan and Bolton will make a really positive impact for the North and will help us give our customers better journeys on greener trains.”

“In the past 18 months we have made significant improvements to the Northern network with a fleet of 101 new trains, refurbishment of our older trains and enhancements at stations. Today’s announcement provides further evidence of the rail industry’s commitment to improve and modernise our services and infrastructure to benefit passengers and the environment.”

Part of the work will see 450 new overhead line equipment stanchions installed, and modifications to 17 bridges and two-level crossings. Platforms will also be extended at Hindley, Westhoughton and Ince stations to reduce overcrowding at peak times and cater for six-carriage trains in the future.