DOZENS of hi-tech new trains that had been delayed in being introduced because of power problems in the south are set to come back on track.

Industry regulator the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) is expected shortly to announce the award of a £1 billion contract for a power supply upgrade which will enable them to be introduced.

It means more than 100 new trains worth more than £400m, earmarked to operate on Stagecoach's South West Trains network, should be rolled out over the next two years.

They will be introduced along its suburban routes, including Basingstoke and north Hampshire.

This comes in the wake of the announcement earlier this month that 30 trains a day are to be scrapped between Southampton and Bournemouth by South Central, under the orders of the SRA.

The announcement of an imminent award of the power supply contract has been welcomed by the Rail Passengers' Committee for Southern England.

A spokesman said: "We are very pleased that things are moving ahead and the quicker it's done the quicker we can get the new trains operating.

"Passengers will be happy at this but it is important to ensure the new trains are in operation before December 2004, when the old slam-door trains must be taken out of service."

Group chairman Wendy Toms said: "The SRA has assured us that, with the rail industry, it is working flat out to ensure that there is enough power in the track to run the electric trains."

A spokeswoman for South West Trains said: "Obviously this is good news and something that a lot of groups have been working closely together to make happen."

More rail misery

RAIL users in Hampshire face yet more disruption this weekend as track maintenance work is carried out. Buses will replace trains on many parts of the South West Trains network and passengers are advised to make arrangements in advance of travelling.

Today the 15 minutes past the hour service from London Waterloo to Portsmouth will not call at Southampton but will instead head towards Portsmouth after calling at Eastleigh.

The on-the-hour service from Southampton to Waterloo will now operate via Portsmouth on the hour and will not call at Southampton.

Tomorrow passengers travelling from London Waterloo to Portsmouth should travel on the London Waterloo to Bournemouth train which will be diverted to Portsmouth via Fareham after calling at Eastleigh.

To check train times passengers should call 08457 484950.