£401 million investment into upgrades to deliver brighter rail future Investment for Transpennine route upgrade, increased freight capacity between the Port of Southampton and Midlands plus new stations at Exeter and Leeds. From: 26 May 2021 extra £317 million investment into major Transpennine route upgrade to make train journeys across the north faster, greener and more convenient new stations set to open in Leeds and the south-west, alongside significant investment to improve freight links, to boost economic growth announcement coincides with completion of first phase of £1.5 billion Midland main line upgrade, introducing new electric trains Passengers and freight operators across the north and Midlands will see faster, greener and more reliable rail services, as the government announces a significant funding boost into the railways today (Wednesday 26 May 2021).