The Scottish Government’s Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop has announced the electrification of Fife and Borders railways with 69 new, more reliable trains being procured.

“The announcement will see £342 million invested by the Scottish Government, electrifying the lines and procuring 69 new trains, as part of the next stage in modernising Scotland’s Railway,” said Transport Scotland.

Hyslop said: “I am delighted to confirm that the next phase in Scotland’s programme to decarbonise the railway network will involve the electrification of sections of the Fife and Borders railways. This will support the deployment of battery-electric trains across these key routes.

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

“Just as we are investing in our routes, so too are we committed to modernising our fleets, that is why I can  also confirm that ScotRail has been authorised to initiate a procurement exercise for new battery-electric trains that will operate on the Borders Railway, Fife, and also for the replacement of some of those electric fleets currently operating in Glasgow.

“We are rightly proud of this Scottish Government’s ongoing commitment to Scotland’s railway and the opportunities it can bring to communities and businesses across the nation as we continue to deliver for rail passengers.”

Katie Vollbracht, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail, said: “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.”

ScotRail Chief Operating Officer David Ross said: “This is fantastic news for our customers. Electrifying more of Scotland’s railway is a vital step towards delivering a more modern, sustainable network upon which people and communities can rely.

“This significant Scottish Government investment will allow us to operate greener, more reliable trains, with more seats on board and greater comfort and accessibility.

“Together, these improvements will make rail travel an even more attractive choice for communities right across Scotland.”