Reading station is marking a major milestone this week as it celebrates 185 years since opening in 1840 as a temporary terminus for Brunel’s Great Western Railway. To commemorate the occasion, passengers and community members are invited to join the station team from 3pm to 5pm today (Friday 28 March) for an afternoon of live music and a special railway-themed exhibition in the Brunel Arcade.
Reading’s historic role as a key railway junction continues to evolve. Since the launch of Network Rail’s Thames Valley performance improvement plan in early 2024, the area has seen a 21% drop in delays thanks to a year of intensive work to renew infrastructure and boost line resilience.
The station was also in the national spotlight earlier this month when the Department for Transport chose Reading to launch a new initiative promoting transparency in train performance, with punctuality and cancellation data now publicly displayed at stations across the UK.
The celebrations also mark ten years since the completion of Reading’s transformative redevelopment project. Upgrades included a new track layout and the construction of a mile-long viaduct to separate high-speed and freight services, easing congestion and delays. The revamped station was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II.
Further modernisation came with the arrival of GWR’s electric trains in 2018 and the launch of Elizabeth line services in 2022. As a result, Reading is now served by more trains than ever before, cementing its status as a major transport hub for commuters and long-distance travellers alike.
Reflecting this growth, retail sales at the station outpaced the national average across Network Rail’s managed stations, rising by 10.4% between October and December 2024—compared with a national increase of 7%.
Marcus Jones, Network Rail’s Western Route Director, said:
“In celebrating Reading station’s 185th birthday, we’re proud to recognise its important role in connecting people across the country for generations.
“With the introduction of Elizabeth line services three years ago, more trains than ever before are stopping at Reading, helping to promote growth for local businesses and highlighting the station’s importance as a commuter and transport hub.”
The event also includes the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, forming part of the national Railway 200 celebrations marking two centuries of passenger rail in Britain. The GWR band will provide live music, while Reading Museum has kindly donated a special exhibition of railway images for display in the Brunel Arcade.
