The North West’s first electric train has taken its first journey between Wigan and Bolton.

The newly electrified train undertook its maiden voyage on the 6.5-mile route between 01:15 and 01:40 on Tuesday 3 June, with technical teams monitoring the vehicle’s journey in real-time as part of a comprehensive test regime.

First shot of an electric train leaving Wigan North Western and Bolton under electric power

© Network Rail

The new service is set to begin passenger operations in late summer.

Made possible following an investment of 100 million GBP from the government, which aims to improve railway journeys throughout the North West, the project has seen the installation of 21km of power lines, 414 new overhead line equipment stanchions, six road bridges and one footbridge.

Further works have included modifications to 17 bridges & two-level crossings, as well as platform extensions at Hidnley, Westhoughton & Ince stations and upgrades to both signalling and track infrastructure, all of which began in 2022.

Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, said:

Thanks to over £100m of government money, journeys between Wigan, Bolton and Manchester are set to become more reliable and greener, with the line also being able support longer electric trains, unlocking more seats for passengers.

Cutting-edge projects, like this one, are at the heart of the government’s Plan for Change, investing in transport systems which are helping our environment, and supporting better access to jobs, education, and opportunities.

This millions of pounds of government investment in the North West is modernising their transport links making travelling quicker, easier, and greener.

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