The Department for Transport has failed to provide the funding to fit out a new Thameslink station, built under St Pancras as part of the new Eurostar terminal in London.

The Central London section of the Thameslink line has been closed for nine months while the 400-yard area has been built beneath St Pancras.

Union Railways said it would take at least two years to build the station and that, with funding still uncertain, it was unlikely to be ready until 2008 at the earliest.

Paul Charles, Eurostar communications director, said: "It is extremely frustrating that the new Thameslink station will not be ready for when Eurostar starts running to St Pancras.

"This was meant to be the showpiece hub for the 21st century but without Thameslink it will lose some of its shine."

The Department for Transport said: "We need to look further at options for the Thameslink box, including timing."