Network Rail will be stripped of its control over Britain’s train tracks and power will be handed to operators in the biggest shake-up of the railways for decades, the Government is to announce.

In an attempt to end delays and reduce fares, Chris Grayling, the Transport Secretary, will say he wants the publicly-owned Network Rail to share responsibility for running the tracks with private train operators.

It means that rail companies such as Virgin and Southern would become responsible for repairs and maintenance for the first time, ending Network Rail's monopoly.

The Government hopes the change will incentivise train companies to complete repairs more quickly and possibly herald cheaper fares.

The news comes as passengers prepare for more upheaval over Christmas, with passengers being told by Network Rail that they face a “crescendo” of maintenance work over the festive season.

It was announced yesterday that rail fares will go up by an average of 2.3 per cent – more than twice the rate of inflation - from Jan 2.