An electric train has run under test on the East Kilbride line for the first time.

The Class 380 train travelled along the newly electrified line over the night of 13 October, with engineers on board to check the overhead line equipment.

The testing phase part of the £144 million East Kilbride Enhancement project, which has been funded by the Scottish Government.

Further tests and training will be carried out before electric passenger services can start in December.

Network Rail Scotland capital delivery director Gerry McQuade said: ‘Seeing the first electric train run on the East Kilbride line is a proud moment for everyone involved in the project. It’s such a visible sign of the progress we’ve made, and the scale of work delivered to get us to this point.

‘By upgrading the infrastructure to enable electric trains to run, the project supports a move towards more sustainable rail travel, while also bringing improvements in reliability and the overall passenger experience. 

‘This milestone is the result of an incredible effort from our teams who work around the clock to deliver the project safely and efficiently, and I look forward to seeing the first electric passenger trains running later this year.’

Engineers have installed more than 22km of overhead lines, doubled 1.4km of line between East Kilbride and Hairmyres, built new footbridges at Busby, Clarkston and Giffnock stations, lowered the track under four bridges to provide clearance for the overhead and renewed a bridge in Busby.

Two stations have also been reconstructed. These were at Hairmyres in May and at East Kilbride in August, where a new station building was opened.

Contractors including SPL Powerlines, AmcoGiffen, Story, QTS, Rail Systems Alliance Scotland and Siemens.

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