Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP)

The Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP) has helped introduce modern efficient electric rolling stock which will enable a cleaner, greener and quieter railway with lower carbon emissions. Scotland’s commuters, business users, tourists and leisure travellers will benefit from improvements in service choice and faster journey times on modern, attractive, more energy efficient trains.

Key deliverables:

  • £25m redevelopment of Haymarket Station – complete December 2013
  • Electrification of the Cumbernauld line in time for the Commonwealth Games and the introduction of electric trains – complete
  • £35m Edinburgh Gateway Rail/Tram Interchange – complete December 2016
  • Electrification of the core Edinburgh to Glasgow via Falkirk High Line and the opening of Edinburgh Gateway station with connections to Fife line services - complete December 2016
  • 42 minute fastest journey time between Edinburgh and Glasgow and the introduction of 8 car electric trains – complete December 2018
  • £120m transformation of Queen Street Station - complete March 2021

Redevelopment of Queen Street Station

The redevelopment of Glasgow Queen Street Station has transformed the passenger experience. It allowed existing platforms to be extended to accommodate longer trains and maintain current timetabled services.

Work at Glasgow Queen Street Station reached substantial completion in March 2019. Substantial work had been due and was on track to be completed by 1 April 2020. However, all work was stopped on 17 March 2020 due to COVID-19. Work was sufficiently complete at that point to allow the Rail Regulator to confirm the station as complete and fit to enter service.

Following agreement of a post-COVID recovery plan with Rail Industry and local Authority partners, on-site work resumed in June 2020. The recovery programme included COVID safe construction practices and facilities to protect staff and the public in the station.