Passengers in west Kent face days of disruption this Easter as Network Rail steps up its £10m programme of improvement works.

Around 2,000 engineers will work round the clock over the long weekend next month on a range of projects, including replacing drainage and track in a tunnel near Sevenoaks.

As a result, buses will replace Southeastern trains between Tonbridge and Sevenoaks from Good Friday (March 30) until the start of service on Tuesday, April 3.

Works also include bringing new signalling equipment – which controls the safe running of trains through Mitcham and Sutton - into use and laying new track between New Cross and Norwood Junction, meaning there will be no Southern or London Overground trains between London Bridge and West Croydon via Crystal Palace all day Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday (March 31 and 1 April).

Network Rail’s south east route managing director, John Halsall, said: “I know passengers feel we are always working on the railway but the work we do really is essential, and Bank Holidays are simply the least-worst time to do it, when the fewest people are travelling on our trains.

“Our route is the busiest in the country and we carry 510 million passengers every year. The only way we can keep doing that reliably and safely is by constantly improving and renewing the railway and we really appreciate passengers’ patience while we do it.

“Train operators will be running as many trains as they can but I would urge passengers to check before they travel as there will be some changes.”

Ellie Burrows, Southeastern’s train services director, said: “Work to improve our railway continues this Easter bank holiday, and working together in partnership with Network Rail, we’re investing to deliver the essential maintenance that we need for a more reliable railway in London and the south east.

"I’d encourage all our passengers to plan ahead and check before they travel by following us on Twitter @SE_railway, or checking our On Track app or website for the latest information."

Stuart Cheshire, passenger services director at Govia Thameslink Railway, which operates Thameslink and Southern, added: “Passengers need to plan ahead this Easter while Network Rail carries out this essential work. Visit our websites or nationalrailenquiries.com.”