A £53 million upgrade at Gatwick Airport railway station, funded by Network Rail and Gatwick authorities, will mean more reliable journeys and less congestion, according to rail bosses. A new platform will be constructed along with a replacement stairway with an escalator and new lift on platforms five and six. The concourse area will be refurbished and the track and signalling improved. Network Rail contributed £ 44.9 million to the scheme with Gatwick giving £ 7.9 million.

Mark Ruddy, Network Rail route director for Sussex, said the funding had now been secured and the work would go ahead whatever the outcome of the Government s spending review, due to be announced on Wednesday. Work will begin in the summer but major construction work is not expected to start until autumn 2012, after the Olympic Games. Mr Ruddy said foreign visitors using the airport to attend the Games would experience no disruption.

The improvements should be completed by the end of 2013.

Stewart Wingate, chief executive of Gatwick, said: “Of all the London airports, Gatwick s rail link with the nonstop Gatwick Express provides the fastest route into central London. We want to encourage more passengers to get to and from our airport by rail as it is the most environmentally sustainable form of transport. That is why we have increased our financial contribution by almost 30% to £ 7.9 million.”

Crawley MP Henry Smith said: “There can be little doubt as to the significance of this move. The airport must be commended for its commitment to improved facilities for its customers. West Sussex County Council and Crawley Borough Council also played a role in securing financial support for the railway station scheme.”