Budget cuts could derail upgrade to Thameslink route

A planned upgrade to one of London's busiest commuter routes was thrown into doubt today after the company that runs Britain's rail network admitted it was searching for budget cuts.

Network Rail's chief executive Iain Coucher highlighted improvements to the Thameslink route - operated by the much-criticised First Capital Connect - as one possible area for savings.

But there was confusion after the Department for Transport said that the Thameslink north-south service was not included in its review of whether to press ahead with 1,300 new or refurbished train carriages for services across England and Wales.

Under the £5.5 billion Thameslink upgrade, train frequencies would be increased to 24 an hour, while Blackfriars and Farringdon stations are undergoing major rebuilds.

A DfT spokesman said: "As with all projects there is a need to ensure the Thameslink programme remains affordable." Eectrification of lines between London and Bristol, Cardiff and Oxford is likely to be put on hold.