Work on the multi-billion pound Thameslink upgrade programme commenced on 24 October with Network Rail's 12-month project to extend platforms at Luton Airport Parkway station.

This congestion-beating rail project is underway just three months after the Government gave the green light. The Thameslink programme will deliver longer trains with more seats, less crowding and a direct link to St Pancras International and Eurostar services to Europe.

Luton Airport Parkway is the first station out of 23 to have its platforms extended on the Thameslink route before 2011. All four platforms will be extended by 80 metres. Overall, the scheme will see more than 4km of platforms lengthened (around twice as long as the runway at London Luton Airport) and will enable a 50% increase in capacity through longer trains and more services during the morning and evening peaks.

Rail Minister Tom Harris visited the station today to mark the start of the work and said: "I am delighted to witness the start of construction for the Thameslink modernisation scheme, just three months after funding approval for the £5.5bn project. "It is hard work like this today which will deliver benefits to passengers across the South East in the future, including 50% longer trains from 2011."

Andrew Mitchell, Network Rail's Thameslink Programme Director said: "Today is the start of a long-sought after scheme which will deliver what passengers need; more seats, less crowding, more direct services and better connections in London. "This is now not an aspiration; it is happening right now, here today. Network Rail will be working closely with First Capital Connect to deliver these improvements at Luton Airport Parkway and a better railway for everyone in the South East."

Elaine Holt, Managing Director, First Capital Connect, said: "This is a very exciting time for First Capital Connect's customers. There are a number of measures we are putting in place to provide more seats in the short term, for example, I’m delighted that we will have another four trains on this route in December 2007. "However, in the long term it is the Thameslink Programme that will deliver vastly increased capacity and will transform this route. When the entire Thameslink Programme is completed, there will be 24 trains per hour through the heart of central London, the majority of which will be brand new trains."

Jan Chaudhry, Commercial Director for Southern, said: "Southern is proud to be present at the start of an important programme that will deliver train services to meet the growing demand for rail travel across London and the South East. Southern is keen to play its part in the programme to ensure that the work to secure future growth in capacity becomes a reality."

Southeastern's Managing Director Charles Horton added: "Our vision is to be a growing railway for a growing region and the Thameslink programme will help by supporting economic growth and regeneration. In the future more passengers will be able to travel through London on longer trains, reducing overcrowding and providing new direct journey opportunities."