UK railway membership body Rail Delivery Group has released a set of new figures, which show that more than 7,000 new carriages are set to be deployed across the UK rail network by 2021.

The updated data follows an earlier plan that was published in October last year that committed to the supply of 5,700 new carriages delivered the same period.

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The delivery of the new carriages forms part of a long-term plan by the country’s rail operators known as ‘In Partnership for Britain’s Prosperity’.

UK rail companies have agreed to partner under the initiative to improve customer satisfaction in a bid to remain among the top-rated major railways in Europe.

"With thousands of new, state-of-the-art carriages coming on track over the next three years, the partnership railway’s long-term plan is transforming journeys up and down the country."

The scheme is expected to secure nearly £85bn of additional economic benefits for the UK.

Additionally, the introduction of the new carriages will enable operators to run a combined total of more than 6,400 extra services every week by 2021.

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The development will require an investment of at least £13.8bn into the country’s rail industry by the private sector.

Rail Delivery Group chief executive Paul Plummer said: “With thousands of new, state-of-the-art carriages coming on track over the next three years, the partnership railway’s long-term plan is transforming journeys up and down the country.

“These new carriages will enable rail companies to work together to deliver on their commitment of at least 6,400 extra services a week, better connecting communities and helping to boost local economies from Aberdeen all the way to Penzance.”

The introduction of new carriages will involve the retirement of some older fleets within the network.

The new railcars are set to be equipped with more seats, Wi-Fi connectivity, power points and air-conditioning. Some of the units will also feature double en-suite bedrooms.

Furthermore, a number of the rail carriages are expected to feature digital screens to provide real-time information regarding connecting services and seat availability to the passengers.