Getting it right for rail
We continue to make record investment in maintaining and improving our rail network. To sustain and enhance Scotland’s Railway, a suite of projects is either under active consideration, in development or in delivery across the country, within this current rail funding period (Control Period 7: 2024-2029) and beyond. All projects are subject to the Scottish Government appraisal process outlined in the Rail Enhancements and Capital Investment Strategy.
The aims of our projects align with wider planning and transport priorities. They focus on providing enhanced and more sustainable passenger and freight services through the delivery of Scotland’s Fleet Transition Plan, improving the reliability and connectivity of services, and ensuring better accessibility to rail services for everyone.
Some of the next key projects across Scotland that we will take forward in the coming years are detailed below.
- 25kV Feeder Stations; installation of feeder stations across the rail network to provide the electrical capacity needed for electrified routes and zero-emission trains.
- Fife Electrification; electrifying sections of the Fife network to reduce emissions and support modern rolling stock.
- Borders Electrification; delivering electrification to enhance connectivity and sustainability for the Borders region.
- Fleet Interface Enhancements; upgrading systems and infrastructure to ensure seamless operation between new intercity and suburban fleets.
- Aberdeen Route Upgrade; infrastructure improvements aimed at increasing reliability.
These key investments are part of our journey towards net zero. Other projects continue to be considered in the medium and the longer term.
Read more information on individual projects
Our Investment to Date
We continue to build on the Scottish Government’s long-standing commitment to rail infrastructure investment, which has delivered significant improvements to Scotland’s railway over many years. This ongoing investment supports transformative projects and the electrification of hundreds of kilometres of track, enabling a more sustainable and reliable network. Recent investments have enabled a wide range of enhancements across the country, including:
- East Kilbride Enhancements; designed to provide quieter, greener and cleaner electric trains. Delivering electrification of the railway from Glasgow to East Kilbride, two new fully accessible stations and upgrades at other stations along the route.
- Levenmouth Rail Link; reconnecting the communities of Levenmouth to Scotland’s railway network, providing two new fully accessible stations and supporting active travel linkages to the local communities.
- Barrhead to Glasgow Electrification; delivering a significant step towards a more greener and sustainable railway with key station upgrades to support the introduction of electric trains.
- Motherwell Station Redevelopment; improving passenger facilities, accessibility and connectivity.
- Glasgow Queen Street Redevelopment; a major upgrade enhancing capacity, modernising infrastructure and delivering a better passenger experience.
- Highland Main Line Improvements (Phase 2); improving resilience and performance on the route.
- Aberdeen to Inverness Improvements (Phase 1); improving service provision and journey times between Aberdeen and Inverness.
Scotland’s Vision for a Fairer, Greener Transport System
The vision set out in the National Transport Strategy for a fairer and greener transport system continues to guide our actions and remains central to protecting our climate and supporting sustainable economic growth.
Our commitment to ending Scotland’s contribution to climate change is unwavering. A green economy is essential to ensuring inclusive growth that meets the needs of communities across Scotland.
In line with this, all rail projects are subject to robust, evidence-based review. These assessments focus on the rationale for investment and how project outcomes align with the objectives of the National Transport Strategy (NTS2), the Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2), and the key themes of the Infrastructure Investment Plan.
We continue to ensure that our transport infrastructure is responsive, resilient, and future-focused.