Electrification programme
The Government’s rolling programme of electrification forms part of a wider £5 billion investment package in Scotland’s railway infrastructure.
Of the 2,776 km of rail track in Scotland 25.3% (711 km) is electrified.
The Scottish Government is committed to a substantial rolling programme of electrification that will bring significant economic, social and environmental benefits.
So far, the electrification programme has delivered the Airdrie to Bathgate Railway and the £12 million Paisley Canal electrification project.
Future electrification projects
Work is now completed on the £80 million pound electrification of the Cumbernauld line, which is the first major electrification element of the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP). The electrification of the route was completed on time and on budget and will give Cumbernauld and the surrounding communities more choice and more flexibility of travel options.
From 19 May 2014, the Cumbernauld line services have increased by 3 trains per an hour (2 electric services will operate via Glasgow Queen Street low level as an extension of existing Springburn –Dalmuir services).
Existing Falkirk Grahamston diesel services will continue to operate to the High Level station.
Rutherglen & Coatbridge (Whifflet) Line
On 30 May 2013, Ministers announced the early electrification of the Rutherglen & Coatbridge (Whifflet) Line, which was scheduled to be delivered in 2018/19. The works will now be completed in September 2014.
The project will be delivered through an Alliance Framework Agreement between Network Rail and First ScotRail and will electrify 25.5 single track kilometres. It will link the West Coast Main Line, in the Rutherglen area, with the Scottish Central Line, in the Coatbridge area.
Other projects
The electrification of the main Edinburgh to Glasgow via Falkirk line is anticipated to be completed by December 2016.
The electrification of the Stirling/Alloa/Dunblane lines will represent the next logical step in the Government’s electrification programme. Advance works, including work to structures on the lines, began in 2012/13.
Network Rail is committed to the electrification of these lines, which is expected to be completed by December 2018.
Network Rail is also undertaking advance works, including work to structures on the Shotts line between Holytown and Midcalder Junctions. This will enable the electrification of 75 single track kilometres by 2019.
Timeline for the electrification programme
May 2014: Introduction of electric services on Cumbernauld route
Summer 2014: Electrification of the Whifflet Line
December 2016: Introduction of 7 car electric services on Edinburgh- Glasgow via Falkirk High route
December 2018: Electrification of Stirling, Alloa and Dunblane lines with journey time improvements for passengers travelling to Edinburgh or Glasgow
2019: Electrification of 75 km of the Shotts Line between Holytown and Midcalder junctions