RAILWAY lines in Fife and the Borders are to be electrified in a £342 million investment announced by the Scottish Government.
Transport secretary Fiona Hyslop confirmed the funding in response to a written question in Parliament, with it also supporting the procurement of 69 new trains.
Fiona Hyslop said, “I am delighted to confirm that the next phase in Scotland’s programme to decarbonise the railway network will involve the electrification of sections of the Fife and Borders railways. This will support the deployment of battery-electric trains across these key routes.
“This latest Scottish Government investment, in excess of £342 million, demonstrates our continuing commitment to making Scotland’s railway even greener, with greater capacity and reliability.”
Marking the announcement, Ms Hyslop also visited North Queensferry. The rail journey offered the opportunity to see work already well underway to facilitate electric trains for Fife on the Lothian side of the Forth Bridge.
“Today, on my journey to Fife, I was able to see the significant progress already being made to electrify the line south of the Forth Bridge and I am pleased works are now underway near Leven,” she continued. “I look forward to returning to Fife to see developments as this work progresses.
“Tomorrow I will visit Galashiels to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Borders Rail Line opening.
“Just as we are investing in our routes, so too are we committed to modernising our fleets, that is why I can also confirm that ScotRail has been authorised to initiate a procurement exercise for new battery-electric trains that will operate on the Borders Railway, Fife, and also for the replacement of some of those electric fleets currently operating in Glasgow.
“We are rightly proud of this Scottish Government’s ongoing commitment to Scotland’s railway and the opportunities it can bring to communities and businesses across the nation as we continue to deliver for rail passengers.”
Katie Vollbracht, principal programme sponsor for Network Rail, added, “Electrifying the Fife and Borders lines is a significant step forward in our plans for a better and decarbonised railway for Scotland. We are delivering around 140km of electrification in Fife and the Borders, paving the way for the introduction of battery-electric trains on these routes which will provide more capacity and reliability and cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable journeys.
“From the early planning stages through to construction, our teams have been working hard behind the scenes to deliver this major upgrade that will bring long-term benefits for passengers and communities. We look forward to this next phase as we continue to transform rail travel on these routes for the future.”
ScotRail expects to issue a contract notice for the Suburban Fleets in autumn this year.
