Network Rail says it will spend £38 billion upgrading the UK’s rail infrastructure, including new track and better stations.

The rail operator’s plan was published today and will help to increase capacity at peak times with an extra 170,000 seats being provided in the next five years.

This will come from hundreds more trains running each day, as well as new routes provided by Crossrail and Thameslink project. More pressure will eased with the help of longer trains and changes to timetables.

Stations due for an upgrade include London Bridge, Birmingham New Street and Glasgow Queen Street.

Mark Carne, chief executive of Network Rail, said: "Passenger numbers in recent years have grown far beyond even our own industry's predictions, so it's vital that this investment over the next five years helps meet the continuing increase in demand for rail travel.

"Bigger, better stations, more tracks and longer platforms, electric-powered trains, reopened railway lines and fewer level crossings - all will help deliver more frequent, more comfortable, more reliable journeys and a safer, better-value railway for everyone."