The government is expected to announce plans for a new rail link between Birmingham and Manchester, according to the BBC. The proposal comes after the cancellation of the northern leg of the HS2 high-speed rail project by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government.

The announcement, anticipated on Wednesday, will also include confirmation of the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) scheme, which aims to improve rail connections across the North of England. Details regarding the Birmingham-Manchester route are scarce, but the government intends to pursue the project after the completion of NPR, potentially delaying its realization for several decades.

The existing West Coast Main Line, a crucial artery for north-south rail traffic, is currently operating at near capacity. Government ministers have acknowledged the pressing need to expand rail capacity to accommodate future demand. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has voiced his support for a new, dedicated line connecting Birmingham and Manchester.

The Northern Powerhouse Rail project is designed to cut travel times between northern cities and towns. While the specifics of the Birmingham-Manchester link remain vague, the government's commitment signals a renewed focus on improving connectivity across the country. The exact route, funding mechanisms, and construction timeline for the new line are yet to be determined. The improvements to travel will now wait until after a series of other improvements have been made.