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Network Rail has announced plans to double the amount of money spent on expanding the UK's railway system.

The operator of the country's rail infrastructure is proposing to spend £9.6 billion on rail expansion schemes between 2009 and 2014, up from the £4.3 billion allocated for the proceeding five-year period.

A pledge to provide more than 100,000 extra seats and 1,700 additional carriages each day is also part of the measures Network Rail is planning in order to respond to the increasing demand for rail travel.

Under the modernisation proposals the company also hopes to invest £11.4 billion renewing track, signals, structures and stations in the five years to 2014, while a further £10.4 billion would be set aside for maintenance and day-to-day operating costs.

The five-year plan also pledges to improve the punctuality of train services to over 92 per cent by the end of the period and to make the running of Britain's railway network more cost efficient.

Commenting on the proposals Network Rail chief executive Iain Coucher said: "Growth and expansion is where we will focus our efforts in the years ahead and today's plan highlights a raft of small, medium and large expansion schemes that will provide passengers and freight users with a bigger, better railway that delivers more trains, more seats, more often.

"Delivering a safe, punctual and reliable railway each and every day will always stay at the core of our business," he added.

George Muir, director general of the Association of Train Operating Companies, added: "A better railway able to carry more people in comfort is urgently required.

"Passengers want it and if we can get people out of their cars it will be good for the environment. This plan shows how we will do it," he stressed.

Network Rail's business plan will now be scrutinised by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR).