NETWORK Rail has announced the awarding of £61.5m worth of contracts for the delivery of the East Kilbride enhancement project.
Story Contracting, AmcoGiffen, SPL Powerlines, Siemens, Rail Systems Alliance Scotland, and WSP have secured contracts on the project to deliver 22.4 single track kilometres of electrified railway.
Coming as part of the Scottish Government’s wider plans to decarbonise passenger services across Scotland’s Railway, the next two years will see the firms deliver electrification of the route between East Kilbride and Glasgow, a relocated accessible station at Hairmyres, an upgraded, accessible station at East Kilbride, accessibility works at other stations, and 1.4km extension of the existing loop at Hairmyres.
Electric services will be introduced on the East Kilbride line following the completion of the project in December 2025 and will offer enhanced operational performance and flexibility of service on the route.
Engineers are currently carrying out ground investigation works on the line as part of the project, with bridge clearance works due to take place at the end of the year and main construction works starting early next year. A series of public drop-in events will take place in the new year to enable communities to find out more about the programme of works being delivered.
Gerry McQuade, capital delivery director for Network Rail, said, “The awarding of these contracts is a significant milestone for the East Kilbride enhancement project and signals the start of the main delivery phase. Over the coming weeks, communities will start to see increased activity along the route as the main construction works begin.
“We will work closely with contractors, train operators and other stakeholders to deliver these enhancements in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible, while minimising disruption for both lineside communities and passengers.”
Alan Rundell, head of operations at Story Contracting, commented, “Story Contracting are proud to have been selected to join the Scotland’s Railway team tasked with delivering the East Kilbride Enhancement project to support the decarbonisation of passenger services on the route. Working together with Network Rail, our fellow project Contractors, and our trusted supply chain, we are excited about the positive impact this project will have on both the rail industry and the wider community.”
David Kelly, senior contracts manager at AmcoGiffen, added, “We’re thrilled to play a pivotal role in this transformative rail electrification project on behalf of Scotland’s Railway alongside strategic delivery partners and our supply chain. We’re constructing and extending two new key rail stations and enhancing access for all, along the route. Our commitment extends beyond construction, and we look forward to building collaborative and active community engagement, supporting the local area and businesses and leaving a better greener railway, fit for the future and benefitting the travelling public.”
Lee Pounder, SPL regional director (Scotland), said, “SPL Powerlines are delighted to be awarded a contract to complete the Electrification of the East Kilbride branch line. Building on our recent success on the Glasgow to Barrhead Electrification project, SPL will complete all associated overhead line infrastructure as well as undertake the role of principle contractor for the line of route. We look forward to working alongside all our Scotland’s Railway partners to deliver another significant milestone on the journey to net zero.”
Steven McCrae, project manager at Siemens, said, “Our enthusiasm for East Kilbride Electrification project goes beyond the tracks and signalling systems – we are all in for greener railways supporting Scottish Government’s very ambitious plans for decarbonisation.
“By making the line greener, and quieter we are not just reducing emissions, we are fostering a cleaner and healthier environment for both current and future generations. This project isn’t just about trains; it’s about powering up with local pride, boosting economies and turning the East Kilbride line into a heartbeat of sustainable and community-friendly transportation.”
Gerry McFadden, senior programme manager at Rail Systems Alliance Scotland, said, “Rail Systems Alliance is delighted to be part of the Scotland’s Railway team delivering the latest electrification project in the journey towards decarbonisation. Embracing a low-carbon railway system not only reduces our environmental footprint, it also steers us towards a future where sustainability fuels progress for future generations.”
Alan Garvie, project director at WSP, commented, “We’re delighted to be continuing the decarbonisation journey with Network Rail on the East Kilbride line. It is fantastic to see the efforts of the combined project team realising the benefits that were aimed for at inception. Projects such as this do not happen without good collaboration between all parties involved, which will be a major factor in driving the project through the delivery and construction phases over the next two years.
“Decarbonisation will not only improve the rail network, it will also help to positively impact the lives of the people who live and work in the communities along the line of route. WSP is extremely proud of our involvement and alignment with our key strategies of future ready and net zero advice to our clients.”
