The UK Government has stated its commitment to deliver a modern, extreme-weather-resilient railway system in the south-west peninsula region.

UK Transport Secretary Chris Grayling announced the development during a response to a report by the Peninsula Rail Task Force.

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The resilience improvement works will form part of the Great Western route overhaul project, which intends to modernise the network and improve journeys via an investment of £5.7bn.

A number of railway sections that run close to the sea through Teignmouth and Dawlish will be upgraded under the initiative in order to protect them against potential damages during storms.

"The resilience improvement works will form part of the Great Western route overhaul project, which intends to modernise the network and improve journeys via an investment of £5.7bn."

Grayling said: “The 2014 storms caused devastation to Dawlish, and huge disruption followed.

“It has been a key priority since I became Transport Secretary.

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“That’s why we’re investing in the infrastructure of the region, making it easier for people to get around and better connecting the south-west to the rest of the country.

“And that’s why sorting out the route through Dawlish is my number one national rail priority.”

The government has awarded a total of £15m to develop a solution to the problem.

Network Rail has also spent additional £40m to renovate the damages along the line that were caused by the 2014 storm.

In addition, 29 Intercity Express trains are expected to be introduced between London and Penzance this year.

The new locomotives will provide faster and more comfortable journeys for passengers, while offering an additional 1,000 seats during peak hours compared to the current vehicles.

A new train service comprising two trains per hour between Plymouth and Penzance will also begin operation as part of the development.

Furthermore, free Wi-Fi will be provided on all Great Western Railway trains, while enhanced car parking locations will be introduced at all stations across the peninsula.