By KLTV Newsdesk

Harpreet Uppal says major rail funding will be a “game changer” for Huddersfield, Yorkshire and the wider North

Huddersfield MP Harpreet Uppal has welcomed the Government’s announcement of a £45 billion investment in Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR), to be delivered alongside the ongoing Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU).

Describing the funding as transformative for Yorkshire and the North, the MP said the plans would unlock long-term economic growth while improving rail connections for communities that have faced decades of underinvestment.

Speaking in the House of Commons on Wednesday 14 January, Harpreet acknowledged the scale of the investment and questioned the Transport Secretary on how the proposals would support regeneration in towns such as Huddersfield.

She also asked how Northern Powerhouse Rail would connect with the Transpennine Route Upgrade, which is currently running on time and on budget.

Bradford–Huddersfield Link Confirmed

Responding to the question, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed that phase three of the Northern Powerhouse Rail plans will deliver improvements beyond those already taking place under the Transpennine Route Upgrade.

This includes the development of a new rail connection between Bradford and Huddersfield.

The Transport Secretary also praised the success of the Transpennine Route Upgrade in contrast to the failed HS2 project, stating that the Government is keen to replicate these successes through Northern Powerhouse Rail.

She added that the additional investment would create significant opportunities for the thousands of people currently employed on TRU, many of whom could move into jobs on NPR projects.

What the Plans Mean for Huddersfield and Yorkshire

As part of the Northern Powerhouse Rail programme, residents across Huddersfield and Yorkshire are expected to benefit from:

• Faster, more frequent and reliable train services
• Better connectivity through Huddersfield as part of the £11 billion Transpennine Route Upgrade, with NPR delivering a new rail connection between Huddersfield and Bradford
• Thousands of skilled jobs, including opportunities for TRU workers to transition into Northern Powerhouse Rail projects

“A Game Changer for Our Communities”

Speaking after her Commons question, Harpreet said: “I am a proud Northerner, but for too long we have had to face challenges from underinvestment in our communities.

“The plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail, alongside the Transpennine Route Upgrades, will be a game-changer for our communities and economy.

“Huddersfield sits at the heart of these investments, which will unlock huge economic opportunities whilst also supporting the regeneration of Huddersfield.”

She added: “Our Towns, Cities and Communities across the North have huge untapped potential, and I am so proud that our government has made it a priority to unlock this.”

Government Pledges New Era of Investment

Following the announcement, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “For too long, the North has been held back by underinvestment and years of dither and delay – but that ends now.

“This new era of investment will not just speed up journeys, it will mean new jobs and homes for people, making a real difference to millions of lives.

“The Government is working with regional mayors, including Tracy Brabin, local council leaders, and businesses to announce a wider plan this Spring for taking advantage of the strengths of city regions in the North, firing up productivity and prosperity across the region.

“This plan brings in existing work to unlock immediate benefits for residents, including work to help fill local skills gaps across the country and will build on this with further policies to improve connectivity, revitalise cities and towns, support people with the skills to access new opportunities, and support businesses to innovate and grow.”