Transport Secretary Alistair Darling has said a replacement for Railtrack could be up and running within days.

The fundamental difference with Network Rail is that it will be publicly owned

Alistair Darling

Mr Darling's prediction came as the High Court backed a government request to take the failed railway management company out of administration.

The decision means that the UK's 23,000 miles of railway track - Railtrack's main asset - should within days be taken over by its successor, Network Rail.

The new "not-for-profit" company will plough any profits from running the railway system back into track maintenance.

Railtrack, a stock market listed company, used to pay part of its profits to shareholders in the form of dividends.

Fresh start

Upgrading the UK's rail infrastructure has become a priority following a series of fatal train crashes, including last May's derailment at Potters Bar.

Speaking at Labour's annual conference in Blackpool, Mr Darling said: "Railtrack's days are very much numbered.

"I hope we will, in a few days, get Network Rail, a company totally dedicated to the interests of the railways, set up and under way without further delay."

He said the "fundamental difference" with Network Rail was that "it will be publicly owned and all parts of the industry will be represented on its board".

Mr Darling has promised results

And he stressed the government was keen to get on with rebuilding the railways "as quickly as possible".

Mr Darling said the time for planning improvements had passed and promised "real visible improvements".

He told delegates: "We will be facing some difficult decisions, some controversial decisions but what I am determined to do is put an end to the endless planning, re-planning and discussing.

"For the first time now we have the investment: over the next 10 years we have got �180bn to invest.

"It's our job to turn that investment into real visible improvements so we have a transport system that supports our growing economy, helps increase individual prosperity and is fit for the 21st century.

"That is the task to which your Labour government is now committed."

Byers decision

Mr Darling also called for the creation of "bespoke" transport solutions for rural and remote areas "rather than trying to produce a reduced form of urban transport which is totally inappropriate".

The High Court decision comes almost a year after former transport secretary Stephen Byers decided to put Railtrack into administration rather than keep contributing towards the company's escalating track repair bill.

Railtrack shareholders earlier this year voted in favour of selling the rail system to Network Rail for �500m.

Three fifths of that sum was provided by the taxpayer.