Improvements to the rail network could lead to a billion-pound boost for the region's economy, a report has revealed.Plans have been submitted to the Department for Transport (DfT) by the Norwich in 90 campaign detailing its vision to improve railway lines in East Anglia.

Improvements to the rail network could lead to a billion-pound boost for the region's economy, a report has revealed.

Plans have been submitted to the Department for Transport (DfT) by the Norwich in 90 campaign detailing its vision to improve railway lines in East Anglia.

Priorities include a 90-minute journey time from Norwich to London, improvements to the reliability of services and the introduction of new InterCity-style trains.

The vision coincides with the leaders of the main political parties answering exclusive questions regarding their manifestos for the forthcoming general election and all agree there should be a faster train services between Norwich and London.

Initial findings by the group show the implementation of the line would deliver benefits of at least �3.4bn over several decades.

Chris Starkie, spokesman for Shaping Norfolk's Future, which is one of Norwich in 90's partners, along with Norfolk County Council, Norwich City Council, Regional Cities East and Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, said the move would really boost the county's economy. “Improvements to the rail network would mean a lot of extra passenger revenue,” he said. “There would be an increase in productivity because trains would not take so long, fewer cancellations and far-reaching economic benefits.

“There would be more people visiting here, more business and money would be generated with people not waiting around so much for trains. We are looking at �3.4bn over a 60-year period for the region. This can't happen overnight but long term this will mean a tremendous boost.”