Network Rail will begin the first phase of electrification works on the Borders Railway later this week, marking a significant milestone in the Scottish Government’s £342 million programme to modernise rail routes across Fife and the Borders.
The investment, announced in September last year, will support the introduction of new battery electric trains and help deliver a cleaner, more efficient rail network. Electrification is expected to cut carbon emissions, improve air quality, enhance the passenger experience, and reduce long‑term operating costs across the route.
From Saturday 21 February, engineers will begin preparatory work ahead of piling along two key sections of the line set for electrification:
- Newcraighall to Shawfair
- Bowshank Tunnel to Tweedbank station
Piling involves driving foundations deep into the ground to support the masts and cantilevers that will carry overhead wires, allowing electric trains to operate between Edinburgh and Tweedbank in future.
Lynsey MacLean, Scheme Project Manager at Network Rail Scotland, said:
“The Borders Railway was rebuilt with future electrification in mind, which means we can deliver this work with far less intrusive engineering than is required on many older parts of the network, where we often need to lower track or raise bridges. The infrastructure here is already suitable for this next stage of modernisation.
“Piling is still a vital early step in installing the overhead line equipment that will eventually power electric trains. Our teams have planned the activity carefully to keep disruption to a minimum for passengers and those living near the railway.
“We’re grateful to customers and local residents for their patience while we complete this phase of the project. Electrification will deliver long‑term benefits for the Borders, and this work marks an important milestone in creating a cleaner, more reliable and more sustainable railway for the future.”
For safety reasons, these works can only take place when trains are not running. As a result, three weekend line closures have been scheduled in March:
- Saturday 14 – Monday 16 March
- Saturday 21 – Monday 23 March
- Saturday 28 – Monday 30 March
During these periods, rail replacement buses will operate for affected services. Passengers are being advised to plan ahead, check their journey via ScotRail, and allow extra time for travel. Some overnight work will also take place to maximise productivity during line closures.
Since its reopening, the Borders Railway has seen more than 13 million passenger journeys, with the line helping stimulate housing development, commercial investment, and wider regeneration along the rail corridor.
Electrification is expected to support further growth by delivering a more reliable, sustainable, and future‑proof transport link for communities in the Borders and the Edinburgh region.
The project is a major step forward in Scotland’s wider commitment to low‑carbon transport and will help ensure the railway remains fit for the future.
Image credit: Network Rail
