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Tuesday 9 Sep 2025

The £6.4m operation to prepare Scotland’s Railway for Autumn

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Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail is preparing for one of the most intensive seasonal operations on the railway calendar, as specialist teams work behind the scenes to help keep trains on time this Autumn.  

Leaves on the railway are the equivalent of black ice on roads. They may seem harmless, but when they land on damp rails and are compressed by train wheels, the heat and weight bake them into a thin, slippery layer that can affect braking and acceleration. 

Over the next ten weeks, a £6.4m programme of autumn treatment will be rolled out across Scotland’s railway to help minimise disruption to services. 

Specialist leaf-busting trains (RHTTs) and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) will be deployed to tackle any build-up. High-pressure water jets will clean the rails, with sand used to improve traction. Around 155 tonnes (12,000 bags) of sand are expected to be used throughout the season. 

In total, nearly 400 circuits of treatment will be carried out covering 82,000 miles, with railway staff working more than 25,000 hours to keep the network safe and reliable. On key routes in central Scotland, Fife and the Highland Main Line, teams will deliver shorter, more frequent bursts of activity to keep trains running smoothly. 

Ross Moran, route director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “People might not realise just how challenging Autumn can be for the railway, but it’s a season that demands serious levels of preparation and action.  

“Our teams across Scotland have been planning this operation for months. It’s a huge logistical effort involving specialist staff, trains, and technology, all working together to keep passengers moving safely. 

“We know how vital reliability is throughout the year, and even more so as we head into the darker, colder months. That’s why this work is so important. It aims to strengthen the resilience of the network, reduce delays, and help trains operate safely and efficiently, whatever the season.” 

Network Rail’s specialist weather forecasters monitor conditions closely throughout the season, helping to pinpoint where treatment is needed most and ensuring resources are deployed efficiently and effectively. 

Close collaboration with ScotRail also ensures that autumn preparations are aligned across the network, with some minor timetable changes to ensure it’s as resilient as possible to keep customers moving. 

Most of the alterations are minor, and only impact a very small number of services, with the majority of routes retaining the same schedule. The changes were made following analysis of data on train punctuality and reliability, as well as trains that have the potential to cause the biggest knock-on impact across the network if they are delayed. 

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “We understand how frustrating it can be when trains are delayed due to leaves on the line. It might sound minor, but the impact can ripple across the entire network. That’s why, this autumn, we’re making a few small adjustments to our timetable to help keep services running smoothly, whatever the weather. 

“Behind the scenes, our teams have been working tirelessly to get trains and stations ready for the seasonal change. And throughout autumn, we’ll make sure customers have the latest, most accurate travel information to help you plan with confidence.” 

During the summer, targeted vegetation management projects have also been carried out across Scotland to reduce the risk of obstructions and improve visibility.