Transport Scotland announces new battery-electric trains for rail lines in Fife and Borders

Scotland’s Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop has confirmed work is underway to facilitate the introduction of battery electric trains on partially electrified rail lines in Fife and Borders.

Responding to a written question in Parliament, Hyslop outlined investment of £342m to electrify the lines and procure 69 new trains.

Further electrification work is also underway on the £116m Leven route, which was re-opened last year, bringing passenger services back to this part of Fife for the first time in over 50 years.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said, “I am delighted to confirm that the next phase in Scotland’s programme to decarbonise the railway network will involve the electrification of sections of the Fife and Borders railways. This will support the deployment of battery-electric trains across these key routes.

“This latest Scottish Government investment demonstrates our continuing commitment to making Scotland’s railway even greener, with greater capacity and reliability.

“Just as we are investing in our routes, so too are we committed to modernising our fleets, that is why I can  also confirm that ScotRail has been authorised to initiate a procurement exercise for new battery-electric trains that will operate on the Borders Railway, Fife, and also for the replacement of some of those electric fleets currently operating in Glasgow.

This £342m forms part of the Scottish Government’s sustained investment in Scotland’s rail infrastructure and represents the initial phase of electrification of the Fife Circle services.

Katie Vollbracht, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail added, "Electrifying the Fife and Borders lines is a significant step forward in our plans for a better and decarbonised railway for Scotland. We are delivering around 140km of electrification in Fife and the Borders, paving the way for the introduction of battery-electric trains on these routes which will provide more capacity and reliability and cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable journeys.

ScotRail expects to issue a contract notice for the Suburban Fleets in Autumn 2025.

ScotRail’s Chief Operating Officer David Ross said, “Together, these improvements will make rail travel an even more attractive choice for communities right across Scotland.”