Network Rail will begin the first stage of electrification on the Borders Railway later this week. 

The work follows the Scottish Government’s announcement in September last year of a £342m investment to electrify routes in Fife and the Borders and introduce new battery‑electric trains. Electrification will help cut carbon emissions, improve air quality, enhance the passenger experience and reduce operating costs.

From Saturday 21 February, engineers will begin preparatory work ahead of piling on the sections of the route to be electrified between Newcraighall and Shawfair, and from Bowshank Tunnel to Tweedbank station.

Piling involves driving foundations into the ground to support the masts and cantilevers that will carry the future overhead line equipment and eventually enable electric trains to run between Edinburgh and Tweedbank.

The nature of the work means it can only be carried out safely when trains aren’t running. To allow it to take place, three weekend line closures have been scheduled next month. Part of the work will also be carried out overnight to make the best use of the time when the line is closed.  This will be Saturday 14-Monday 16 March; Saturday 21-Monday 23 March and Saturday 28-Monday 30 March.

Buses will replace trains for affected services. Passengers are advised to plan ahead, check their journeys with ScotRail before travelling and allow extra time where needed.

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.”

Since its reopening, more than 13 million journeys have been made on the Borders Railway. The line has also supported housing development, commercial investment and the regeneration of land along the rail corridor. Electrification is expected to support further growth and ensure the route remains reliable and sustainable in the years ahead.