Disabled passengers are set to benefit from new step-free railway station access following a multi-million-pound overhaul.

Network Rail recently unveiled plans for the £6 million revamp of Herne Bay station after a lengthy campaign calling for better access for those with limited mobility.

The works will start on November 20 with hopes of completing the project in winter 2024 – though an exact finish date is still to be determined.

As part of the plans, Network Rail will install two 16-person capacity lifts and a new footbridge with staircases that will link the London and coast-bound platforms.

Once complete, the new access will also benefit passengers with visual impairments as well as those travelling with pushchairs and bicycles to make their way around the station, according to Network Rail.

Disabled commuters currently have to travel to Whitstable to access an appropriate platform and the only way to cross the tracks at Herne Bay is through an underpass accessed by steps.

The news marks the latest move in what has been a lengthy battle to get the scheme off the ground.

First awarded a portion of government funding in 2019, it took more than two years for the proposals to be given the green light by Canterbury City Council.

Planning papers submitted by Network Rail claim the new bridge will provide “an unobstructed and obstacle-free accessible route” for a wheelchair to safely negotiate.

The operator also wants the development to be no further than 400m “from the station entrance to the appropriate point of entry and exit of trains at platforms”.

Canterbury East was the first station in the district to have benefitted from the Access for All project, having opened a £4.8 million footbridge with lifts in August 2021.

The cash from the Department for Transport’s Access for All programme is designed to make it easier for disabled people to use the rail network.

Jo Pettman, Southeastern’s station manager for Herne Bay, said: “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 Herne Bay 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 that will ensure Herne Bay station remains a safe place to travel to and from.”

Network Rail’s commercial scheme sponsor Hodan Hassan added: “It’s really great to see the investment being made to make stations fully accessible in the Kent region and 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 that most of the work will take place over weekdays during daytime hours and will not affect the train services during the week.”