TRAIN services have returned to the East Kilbride and Glasgow railway line following a key milestone in the £143 million upgrade of the route.
The 16-week programme included the £16 million build of the new Hairmyres Railway Station, which sits 800m west of the original station site and offers modern waiting areas and step-free access.
The wider programme involved the electrification of the route, with new track laid, signalling systems upgraded, and 22km of overhead lines installed. New footbridges were erected at Busby, Clarkston and Giffnock railway stations to improve safety and accessibility, while the railway bridge over East Kilbride Road in Busby was also renewed.
Several key milestones remain in the project, which is due to complete by December 2025, including the reopening of the upgraded East Kilbride station this summer. Network Rail will continue to work closely with partners and contractors including AmcoGiffen, Story, SPL Powerlines, QTS, Rail Systems Alliance, and Siemens.
Fiona Hyslop MSP, cabinet secretary for transport, said, “It is a pleasure to witness years of planning and project delivery come to fruition with the opening of the new Hairmyres Station. It is a clear example of this Scottish Government’s continued commitment to investing in Scotland’s railway and the benefits that this can bring to local communities.
“Making rail more attractive is a fundamental part of encouraging greater public transport use and this latest opening is an exciting milestone as we move towards the completion of the East Kilbride electrification later this year.”
Liam Sumpter, MD of Network Rail Scotland, added, “When passengers step onto the new platforms at Hairmyres, they’re standing on the culmination of thousands of hours of dedication, expertise and teamwork from our engineers who made this happen. It’s a proud moment for everyone involved.
“But the work doesn’t stop there. The project continues its journey with significant improvements still to come. Each milestone brings us a step closer to delivering a railway that’s fit for the future – one that’s more reliable, efficient and sustainable for generations to come.”
Jim Double, regional MD of AmcoGiffen, said, “AmcoGiffen are proud to have played a key role in delivering the new Hairmyres Station alongside Network Rail. This milestone reflects the skill and commitment of our team and the strength of our collaboration. We also sincerely thank the local community for their patience during the works. Their support has been invaluable. AmcoGiffen remains committed to progressing the East Kilbride enhancement project to help modernise and decarbonise Scotland’s railway.”
