The Scottish Government has announced plans for a £342 million investment in electrification and electric trains for Glasgow, Fife and the Borders Railway, which celebrates its tenth anniversary tomorrow.

The new fleet of 69 trains will include hybrid battery units which will be necessary when crossing the Forth Bridge because the headroom is insufficient for overhead wires.

In a written answer to a question from MSP Michael Matheson, transport secretary Fiona Hyslop said: ‘I can confirm that the next phase in Scotland’s programme to decarbonise the railway network will involve the electrification of sections on the Fife and Borders railways. Works are already underway, with significant progress being made on the electrification of the line between Haymarket and Dalmeny.

‘This forms part of the Scottish Government’s sustained investment in Scotland’s rail infrastructure and represents the initial phase of enabling works for the future electrification of the Fife Circle services.

The Scottish Government’s ongoing commitment to electrification supports the deployment of electric and battery-electric trains. I can further confirm that ScotRail has been authorised to initiate a procurement exercise for a new electric suburban fleet. This procurement will facilitate the replacement of trains currently operating on the Borders Railway and in Fife, as well as replace some of Glasgow’s suburban trains. ScotRail expects to issue a contract notice for the suburban fleets in autumn 2025.

‘This latest Scottish Government investment will be in excess of £342 million and demonstrates our continuing commitment to making Scotland’s railway even greener, with greater capacity and reliability.’

Network Rail principal programme sponsor Katie Vollbracht 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.’

The electrification is expected to be completed by 2029, and the new trains are expected to be delivered in 2031.

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