TRANSPORT chiefs have revealed plans to solve a bottleneck on the railway line to London.

Network Rail aims to address problems on the Brighton Mainline through Croydon, where 300,000 passengers pass every day.

It would see the creation of a bigger station at East Croydon, while rail junctions at Selhurst will change with new bridges and viaducts.

Govia Thameslink Rail (GTR), which operates Southern and runs services from Brighton to the capital, said the current junction was a major sticking point.

Network Rail has now launched a second round of public consultation on the plans, including a live chat with the experts.

Network Rail regional boss John Halsall said: “These are clearly challenging times for the country and the rail industry but we know that a safe, reliable and punctual railway will remain absolutely vital to the region and the country’s economy.

“That is why we must continue to plan for the long term and progress proposals to unblock the Croydon bottleneck and remove the single greatest constraint on train punctuality and capacity on the Brighton Main Line.

“Please get involved in the consultation, view the proposals and don’t miss the opportunity to share your views.”

Network Rail said plans include more tracks at Croydon, two more platforms at East Croydon and an improved station, as well as flyovers, dive unders and bridges for the railway lines that travel towards London Victoria and London Bridge from Sussex, Surrey and the South Coast.

The authority said the railway in the Croydon area was the among the busiest, most congested and most complex anywhere in the country.

It has 30 per cent more trains and passengers travelling through it each day than King’s Cross and Euston stations combined.

Despite the current drop in passengers travelling, Network Rail believes the vast majority of the 300,000 passengers who travel on the line each day will return.

GTR chief operating officer Steve White said: “This is one of the busiest stretches of railway in the country and a huge constraint on our service. These improvements would make a massive difference to our passengers by reducing delays and boosting capacity.”

Network Rail says it will need to apply for a Transport and Works Act order to complete the works.

Live chat facilities are available until the end of June. To have your say on the plans or to find out more visit networkrail.co.uk/Croydon.