Transport authority Centro has praised Network Rail’s proposals for a high-speed rail line from London to Birmingham.

The report by Network Rail, published yesterday, sets out plans for commuters to travel to London within 46 minutes.

Centro chief executive Geoff Inskip said: “Network Rail’s New Lines report sets out a convincing case for High Speed Rail, addressing the fundamental need to connect Britain’s principal city centres via high-speed trains.

“It will increase capacity both regionally and nationally by freeing up existing rail lines to allow for better and more frequent local services.

“High Speed 2 will really enhance the West Midlands position on a global scale by bringing the region just three quarters of an hour away from London.

“This is not only great news for passengers wanting to travel between Britain’s two largest conurbations, but will also make the region a really attractive option for businesses looking to escape from the over-heated South-east.”

The Network Rail document puts forward proposals on how to address the increasing strain that passenger and freight growth is putting on the nation’s railways.

It also suggests that towns and cities like Sandwell, Dudley, Nuneaton, Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury would benefit from new services linking them with destinations across Britain.