A railway station is to undergo a multi-million-pound overhaul in a bid to make “a huge difference” to disabled passengers.

Rail users at Shortlands in Bromley are set to benefit from several accessibility upgrades.

The £8.5m programme of work, which is being delivered by Network Rail, will create step-free access for passengers and is expected to be finished in spring 2025.

Once complete, the station will enable commuters with limited mobility and visual impairments, plus those travelling with pushchairs and bicycles, to make their way around the station.

The work will make the station step-free for the first time since it opened in the 1950s.

It will involve installing three lifts and a new footbridge with staircases, which will span between the platforms at the station.

Other improvements will include updating lighting and adding CCTV in a bid to increase passenger safety.

This is as well as the installation of a new emergency staircase to provide an additional exit for passengers.

The improvements are to be funded by the Department for Transport’s (DfT) “Access for All” scheme.

Network Rail’s commercial scheme sponsor, Hodan Hassan, believes the improvements will make a significant impact.

He said: “It’s really great to see the investment being made to make stations fully accessible in the Kent region.

“We welcome the continued investment from the DfT and continue to work closely with local councils to provide the best experience for all rail users.

“We’d like to reassure passengers and local residents most of the work will take place over weekdays during daytime hours and will not affect the train services during the week.”

Meanwhile, Southeastern’s station manager for Shortlands, Neil Smoker, added: “We’re always wanting to do more for our customers as part of our drive towards a better, more reliable, and more sustainable railway.

“We’ll see the accessibility of Shortlands station transformed by Network Rail over the next year, with the new lifts and footbridge set to make a huge difference to everyone who uses the station - whether that’s people using pushchairs or wheelchairs, bikes and those with heavy luggage.

“Our customers will also welcome the planned security improvements which will ensure Shortlands station remains a safe place to travel to and from.”