A RAIL programme feared to fall victim to coalition government spending cuts has been given the green light to be completed.

In an announcement yesterday, Transport Secretary Philip Hammond, confirmed that the Thameslink project will go ahead in its entirety at a total cost of around £6 billion.

It was confirmed that the Thameslink project, which will eventually double capacity on the First Capital Connect Bedford to Brighton route through Mill Hill, Hendon and Cricklewood would go ahead in full.

Work on the scheme, which was originally the Thameslink 2000 project and due for completion more than a decade ago, has already begun but there was concern about whether the money would be available to complete it.

It is now due to be completed by 2018 and will allow up to 24 trains an hour on the line.

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond said: "At a time of severe pressure on public spending, it would be tempting to cut back on investment in our railways.

"I can confirm that the Thameslink project will go ahead in its entirety and I can announce 650 further carriages to reduce overcrowding.

"In total this amounts to 2,100 new carriages, which will help make our railways fit for the 21st Century."

Neal Lawson, managing director at First Capital Connect, said: "The Thameslink programme is critical to addressing overcrowding.

"It has delivered new trains, almost 5,000 seats and we will have the first 50 per cent longer 12-carriage trains from December next year."