Delays have been reduced by 17%

For the 12 months to 31 March, it made a pre-tax loss of �164m ($299m), compared with a �1.07bn loss last year.

The successor to Railtrack, Network Rail's net debt for the year increased from �12.6bn to �15.6bn, but this was below the expected �17.2bn level.

Train delays for which it was responsible were reduced by 17% across the 12-month period.

'Ongoing efforts'

Network Rail received �102m from the train operators during the year for meeting various targets.

By contrast, it had to pay performance-related penalties of �348m during the previous 12 months.

"The year to come will see Network Rail's employees continue to work hard to meet our objectives as we target a further substantial reduction in delays and further efficiency savings," said Network Rail chief executive John Armitt.

"The rebuilding of the railway goes on, progress is good, and passengers, train and freight operators are now seeing real benefits.

"We are determined to deliver further improvements."

During the year the number of broken rails hit an all-time low of 322 after a 4% fall.

Five years ago this figure was more than 900.