The government has announced a £72m package to reduce delays and make trains more reliable.
A third platform at Salford Crescent station has been promised alongside track improvement work across north Manchester.
The government said the measures would help reduce delays, bottlenecks and station overcrowding.
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Extra entry and exit points to platforms will also be created at Manchester Victoria Station.
The package comes after TransPennine Express (TPE) lost its contract due to "continuous cancellations".
Transport Secretary Mark Harper has decided not to extend or renew TPE’s contract after passengers suffered from widespread delays and cancellations over the past year.
TPE's services will be brought in to the Department for Transport’s Operator of Last Resort from May 28.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: "This investment supports our commitment to transforming journeys across the North by delivering much needed infrastructure improvements in Manchester.
"Today’s funding, alongside major projects like HS2, the TransPennine Route Upgrade and Northern Powerhouse Rail, demonstrates our pledge to improving opportunities for passengers across the region and leaving a positive impact for generations to come."
Rail Minister Huw Merriman added: "This new investment will help make trains services more reliable for the people of Manchester and beyond, marking another milestone in a decade’s worth of rail improvements across the region.
"An efficient railway is key to levelling up and the improvements delivered through this package will help boost local economies and connect people to opportunities, as well as friends and family."
Network Rail’s Tim Shoveller said: "Today’s announcement is really positive, allowing us to get on with fixing the infrastructure around central Manchester so we can run trains more reliably.
"The rail industry has come together to work on these proposals, building into a long-term vision that will get the best for our passengers and freight users alike.
"We also have ambitious plans for the future of Manchester Oxford Road. We’re removing our previous planning application so we can move forward with a new approach, something we’ll be consulting residents and businesses on later in the year."
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham added: "There is a massive opportunity to change rail journeys for people and businesses in Greater Manchester and the North for the better, and this infrastructure investment is a welcome next step to help make that happen.
"Through the Task Force and our Trailblazer deal, we will continue working with government and the industry to help shape the comprehensive package of improvements needed to transform rail travel and support our growing economy, so that we can create more jobs and homes."
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