Borders railway electrification begins with piling works and March line closures

Network Rail has commenced the first stage of electrification works on the Borders Railway, following the Scottish Government’s £342 million investment to electrify routes in Fife and the Borders and introduce new battery electric trains. The programme is designed to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, enhance passenger experience and lower long term operating costs.

Preparatory activity will begin from 21 February ahead of piling works on two key sections: between Newcraighall and Shawfair, and from Bowshank Tunnel to Tweedbank station. Piling involves driving foundations into the ground to support masts and cantilevers that will carry the overhead line equipment required to power electric services between Edinburgh and Tweedbank.

The Borders Railway was originally rebuilt with future electrification in mind. As a result, the existing infrastructure reduces the need for intrusive interventions such as track lowering or bridge raising, which are common on older routes. The current phase focuses on installing structural foundations that will enable the next stage of overhead line equipment installation.

Because piling must be carried out when trains are not operating, three weekend closures have been scheduled in March:

Replacement bus services will operate during these periods.

Since reopening, the Borders Railway has carried more than 13 million journeys and has supported housing development, commercial activity and regeneration along the corridor. Electrification is expected to reinforce the route’s long term reliability and sustainability.

The works represent a key milestone in Scotland’s railway decarbonisation strategy and form part of the broader transition toward electric and battery electric rolling stock across the national network.