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Monday 8 Dec 2025

East Kilbride-Glasgow line goes electric after £144m transformation

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Passengers travelling between East Kilbride and Glasgow will benefit from a cleaner, quieter and more reliable railway from this weekend as electric trains begin operating on the route. 

The first electric services will begin running on Sunday 14 December, marking the completion of a £144m investment from the Scottish Government to modernise the line and deliver a more sustainable transport network.  

For thousands of daily commuters, students, and families, the upgrade means a more comfortable and greener way to travel - whether it’s getting to work, school, university, or enjoying time in East Kilbride, Glasgow, and the communities in between. 

Combined with new stations at Hairmyres and East Kilbride offering step-free access and improved facilities, the line is now better equipped to serve the communities which rely on it. 

The completion of the project was celebrated today (Monday 8 December) with an event at Glasgow Central, where project teams, stakeholders, and local representatives came together before boarding an electric train for a commemorative journey to East Kilbride. 

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop said: “This £144m Scottish Government investment in this transformational project on the East Kilbride route brings significant improvements in stations, infrastructure, and services. It will attract new and existing passengers for years to come, making rail a more appealing choice for communities across this area. 

“I want to thank all the teams that have played a part in its delivery, as well as extending my gratitude to passengers and lineside neighbours for their patience while the work took place.” 

Over the past two years, Network Rail has worked with contractor partners including SPL Powerlines, AmcoGiffen, Story, QTS, Rail Systems Alliance Scotland and Siemens to deliver the work. The project included: 

• Electrification of the railway from Glasgow to East Kilbride 

• A new station at East Kilbride 

• A new station with two platforms and accessible footbridge at Hairmyres 

• Replacing the road bridge next to Thornliebank station. 

• A new footbridge at Busby station 

• Improved access at Giffnock, with a new accessible footbridge 
• A new footbridge at Clarkston and improved access to Platform 2 

Gerry McQuade, capital delivery director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “The completion of our East Kilbride to Glasgow investment programme marks the latest milestone in the story of Scotland’s Railway. 

“This has been a major transformation. New stations, better facilities, better accessibility, modern infrastructure and electric trains. But together, this project is about more than tracks and trains – it’s about communities.  Making it easier for local people to choose rail, meaning fewer road miles and stronger connections between communities, towns and Scotland’s largest city. 

“I want to thank passengers and our lineside neighbours for their patience and support throughout the project. This is your railway, delivered together, and I hope everyone involved feels proud of the role they’ve played in shaping a railway fit for the future.”  

Joanne Maguire, ScotRail Managing Director, said: “Today marks another important milestone for Scotland’s Railway. 

“As we introduce electric trains on the East Kilbride line following the successful completion of this major electrification project, customers will start to see the benefits straight away. 

“The move to class 380 trains will mean smoother, quieter, and more sustainable journeys for everyone who relies on the route - whether they’re travelling to work, heading to school or university, or visiting family and friends. 

“With new stations at East Kilbride and Hairmyres, and improved accessibility at Busby, Giffnock, and Clarkston, the line is now better equipped to support the growing communities it serves. 

“We’re grateful to customers for their patience throughout the works, and we’re excited to welcome them on board this upgraded and improved railway line.”