By KLTV Newsdesk – 

Harpreet Uppal MP presses ministers on disruption, regeneration, and rail investment during Commons exchange

Harpreet Uppal, Member of Parliament for Huddersfield, has welcomed assurances from the Government that the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) will deliver long-term economic and social benefits for the town.

The commitment followed Uppal’s question during Transport Questions on Thursday, 20 November, in which she pressed ministers on the impact of the programme and the need for local regeneration.

Investment Across the Region

Addressing the Commons, Uppal highlighted the scale of progress already underway on the TRU, noting that “25% of the route has already been electrified, with 40% due to be completed by summer 2027.”

She also drew attention to the substantial £70 million modernisation and reconstruction of Huddersfield railway station, one of the flagship projects along the route.

Phase one of the station works, completed over the summer, included the demolition and rebuilding of two platforms, the strengthening of the Huddersfield viaduct, the replacement of the John Williams Street Bridge, and the installation of 2,390 metres of new track.

Recognising Disruption and Ensuring Benefits

Uppal acknowledged the disruption caused by the upgrade works, particularly the temporary summer closure of Huddersfield station, and emphasised the importance of ensuring that “the economic and social benefits of this investment will be utilised to help regenerate and benefit communities” in Huddersfield.

Responding, the Secretary of State for Transport recognised the challenges faced by residents and reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensuring the town sees long-term gains from the project.

The Secretary of State said that residents “have had to put up with some significant disruption in recent months,” but expressed confidence that once complete, Huddersfield will have a “railway station built for the future.”

She also confirmed that communities across Huddersfield will directly benefit from the TRU, noting that the upgrade team is working closely with local partners “to ensure that the £11 billion of investment delivers long-term social and economic benefits for Huddersfield and local communities along the route.”

These benefits, she added, include “supporting skilled jobs, improving connectivity and creating opportunities right now for local supply chains.”

“Real Improvements for Our Town”

Following the exchange, Uppal welcomed the Government’s response, saying: “I am pleased the Secretary of State recognised the disruption people in Huddersfield faced during the 30-day closure of Huddersfield railway station, and I welcome her assurances that this major investment will deliver real improvements for our town.

“The TRU is the largest rail infrastructure project in the country and has enormous potential not only to transform journeys but to boost jobs, skills and economic growth locally.

“I will continue to work with Government and regional partners to ensure Huddersfield gets its fair share of the benefits.”

Train Fare Freeze Brings Extra News for Commuters

The Government this week also announced that it will freeze train ticket prices for the first time in more than 30 years.

Under the plan, a typical commuter travelling three days a week using a flexi season ticket between Huddersfield and Leeds will save £70.50 a year.

Welcoming the announcement, Uppal added: “This is good news for local commuters in Huddersfield and will keep more money in people’s pockets.”