Network Rail, the UK’s rail infrastructure manager, has begun major work on the partial electrification of the Borders Railway line, which connects Edinburgh to Tweedbank, marking a new step in the program to decarbonize Scotland’s railways.

The project comes after the Scottish Government confirmed, in September last year, a GBP 342 million investment to electrify routes in Fife and the Borders and introduce 69 electric and battery-electric trains by 2031.

Electrification is presented as a measure that will reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, lower operating costs, and provide a more comfortable experience for passengers.

From February 21, teams of engineers will begin preparatory work ahead of piling operations on two sections of the route:

The work involves installing the foundations for the poles and brackets that will support the 25 kV 50 Hz overhead line equipment needed to power electric trains.

The work can only be carried out when there is no rail traffic, which is why three weekend closures have been scheduled in March:

During these periods, trains will be replaced by buses.

According to Lynsey Maclean, Scheme Project Manager at Network Rail Scotland, the line was “rebuilt with future electrification in mind” when it reopened in 2015, allowing for less invasive work than on historic routes where track lowering or bridge lifting is required.

Mark Ilderton, Director of Service Delivery at ScotRail, described the electrification as “an important step in preparing for the introduction of new, greener trains,” which will offer passengers “quieter, smoother, and more sustainable journeys.”

Since its reopening, the Borders Railway has recorded over 13 million journeys and supported property development and commercial investment along the rail corridor.

In parallel with the work in the Borders, Network Rail has launched a preliminary market consultation for a new contract framework dedicated to the electrification of the Scottish network.

Scotland’s Railway Electrification Framework would cover the period 2027–2032 (with a possible extension to 2035) and target works estimated at around GBP 300 million, with the possibility of reaching GBP 450 million if additional projects are included.

The contract would be awarded to a single contractor for the standardized implementation of electrification systems based on the UK’s Master Series projects.

The tender notice is expected to be published in early March.

The current projects are part of a broader review of Scotland’s rail decarbonization policy.

In November 2025, the Scottish government adopted a revised plan that shifts the focus from extensive electrification of infrastructure to reducing emissions from rolling stock.

The previous plan called for the electrification of approximately 130 km of line per year and the complete elimination of diesel traction in passenger services by 2035. The new strategy extends the deadline to 2045 and adopts an approach considered “proportionate and efficient in terms of the use of public funds.”

Electrification will remain a priority for heavily used intercity and suburban routes, while alternatives such as battery or hydrogen trains will be explored for rural lines.