Train journey times are expected to be cut by the work

More than �14m is being spent on the track between Probus and Burngullow, near St Austell, to reinstate a section of dual track on the line.

The work, which started on Thursday and is expected to be completed by December, will allow for increased train use in the area.

Completion of the works is expected to lead to improvements in punctuality and reliability, as well as improving journey times and providing more capacity for future growth of the network in the area.

Regular problems

The seven-mile stretch of track was reduced to single line working in 1985 and since then it has regularly caused problems.

First Great Western's managing director, Chris Kinchin-Smith, said the work will make a huge difference for customers, in some cases cutting journey times from London by 20 minutes.

Robert Hichens of Cornwall County Council said: "Restoring the original dual line to the existing rail bed will improve mainline services, helping to draw inward investment into Cornwall and build investor confidence."

The chairman of the Strategic Rail Authority, Richard Bowker, said: "This project will bring real benefits to passengers.

"It proves that the rail industry can work together, making investment and improvements across the west of England for passengers."

The project is being funded by the Strategic Rail Authority, Cornwall County Council, Government Office for the South West, and Objective One money.