The Government has confirmed an extra £600 million cash boost for the Crossrail project.

In a written statement to Parliament, Rail Minister Jo Johnson revealed the budget is being increased from £14.8 billion to £15.4 billion to ensure the project is completed on time.

"As reported in the update to Parliament last year, cost pressures have increased across the project," he said.

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"Both the department and TfL remain committed to the successful delivery of this project and have agreed an overall funding envelope for delivery of the project of £15.4 billion."

Around £300m is being made available to Crossrail, with the Department for Transport and Transport for London contributing £150 million each.

In addition, approximately £290m from the Department for Transport and Network Rail is also being provided for completion of the programme of works on the national rail network.

The Crossrail line is scheduled to fully open in December next year.

(LM/MH)