Improvement works under the “Building Better Stations” programme have been shelved due to cost cuts at stations including Clapham Junction and Barking.

The dropped schemes are for smaller improvement works like platform canopy extensions, lift improvements,better lighting and drainage and building refurbishment.

One contractor told the Enquirer: “This sort of improvement work is our bread-and-butter and the sort of stuff that really makes a difference to commuters.

“It’s not the headline-grabbing new station work but the vital refurbishment needed to update older stations which are struggling to cope.

“The smaller works programme was a decent source of contracts and it’s a real blow to see it dry-up like this.”

A Network Rail spokesman said: “Mindful of the need to cut Britain’s deficit, Network Rail is identifying areas above and beyond the current tough efficiency targets demanded by the rail regulator and where it can cut back on discretionary investment on programmes that do not add capacity or operational efficiency to the railway.”

Network Rail had its budget reduced by £100m under the £6 bn public spending cuts announced last month by the government.