Electric trains will run on the Borders Railway for the first time after Network Rail began installing overhead line equipment on the route connecting Edinburgh to the Scottish Borders. Work has started on the section between Shawfair and Stagehall, with engineers laying foundations for the masts and gantries that will power cleaner, quieter trains.
The electrification forms part of the Scottish Government's plan to decarbonise Scotland's entire railway network by 2035. Electric trains will replace current diesel services, cutting carbon emissions whilst delivering faster journeys and lower running costs for operators.
Network Rail engineers are preparing the ground for the complex overhead line system, which requires precise installation to ensure safe operation. The work marks a significant upgrade for the railway, which has served communities across Midlothian and the Borders since reopening in 2015.
Passengers face temporary disruptions during construction, with Network Rail warning of service alterations and replacement bus services at various stages. The operator said it would work to minimise inconvenience for daily commuters who rely on the popular route.
The Borders Railway has transformed transport links for local communities since its reopening, boosting economies along the route from Edinburgh to Tweedbank. Electrification represents the next phase of development, bringing the line up to modern standards and future-proofing services for decades ahead.