As a result GWR class 800 bi-mode Inter-city Express Trains are now able to operate in electric mode between London Paddington and Bristol Parkway and class 387 Electrostar EMUs have entered service between Reading and Newbury replacing DMUs.
However, electrification work still has to be completed between Swindon and Chippenham and from Bristol Parkway to Cardiff Central.
Electrification beyond Cardiff to Swansea was cancelled in 2017 while electrification from Chippenham and Bristol Parkway to Bristol Temple Meads was shelved following a huge increase in the cost of the Great Western Main Line programme from £847m to £2.8bn.
