Rail industry plans 7,000 new carriages by 2021

​There will be a glut of new train carriages coming to Britain’s railways by 2021, according to figures released by the Rail Delivery Group.

The latest statistics reveal that a further 1300 carriages will be added to the 5700 that were announced last October, for a total of just over 7000 by the early 2020s. 

The new carriages, which are part of a long-term plan to improve the UK rail system, are part of a £13.8bn private sector investment in rail, which will add more than 6400 extra services a week across the country.

The total number of carriages on the railway network will increase by 22 per cent, from 13,000 to around 15,900, as older carriages are retired. New ones will have more seats, wireless connectivity, air conditioning, and even ensuite double bedrooms in the case of the overnight Caledonian Sleeper.

“With thousands of new, state-of-the-art carriages coming on track over the next three years, the partnership railway’s long-term plan is transforming journeys up and down the country,” said Paul Plummer, Chief Executive of the Rail Delivery Group, which brings together train operators and Network Rail.

“These new carriages will enable rail companies to work together to deliver on their commitment of at least 6,400 extra services a week, better connecting communities and helping to boost local economies from Aberdeen all the way to Penzance."