The Department for Transport has confirmed funding of £300 million to improve the London-Brighton main-line and associated routes, infrastructure manager Network Rail announced last month.

This will include track renewals, re-signalling and civil works to “improve resilience” in areas that are known to cause delays to Govia Thameslink Railway’s Southern and Thameslink services.

Tunnel repairs will include improved drainage to prevent water damage to electrical equipment. Cuttings and embankments are to be strengthened to reduce the risk of landslides, bridges are to be replaced and security measures will be reinforced to prevent trespassing.

Network Rail (www.networkrail.co.uk) managing director (South East) John Halsall said: “Passengers know only too well the challenges faced in running one of the busiest and most congested railway networks in the country.

“Working together with Govia Thameslink Railway, this much-needed funding will allow us to carry out essential upgrades to improve the reliability of journeys for passengers over the next few years.”