15/04/2020
- Scotland's Railway Infrastructure Poised for Major Overhaul
- Key Framework Deals: Ensuring Day-to-Day Functionality
- The Scotland Civils Framework: A £1.3 Billion Investment in the Future
- Hitachi Contract Extension: Powering Scotland's Electric Fleet
- East Kilbride Enhancement Project: Electrifying the Future
- Scotland's Railway Infrastructure Improvement Programme: A Long-Term Vision
- Frequently Asked Questions
Scotland's Railway Infrastructure Poised for Major Overhaul
Scotland's railway network is set to undergo a significant transformation, with Network Rail recently announcing a series of substantial contract awards totalling up to £1.3 billion. These multi-year agreements are designed to bolster the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the nation's rail infrastructure, encompassing everything from urgent repairs to major electrification projects and the continued maintenance of modern, eco-friendly train fleets. This wave of investment signifies a renewed commitment to enhancing the passenger and freight experience across Scotland, with a keen eye on future demand and the pressing need for climate resilience.
Key Framework Deals: Ensuring Day-to-Day Functionality
Network Rail has initiated a refresh of its approach to minor works and asset resilience with the awarding of two significant framework deals, collectively valued at £220 million. These contracts are crucial for maintaining the day-to-day operations of Scotland's rail network.
The Civils Reactive and Minor Works Framework has been secured by AmcoGiffen, an estimated £150 million deal set to run for the next four years, with an option for a one-year extension. This contract will see AmcoGiffen undertaking a broad spectrum of essential infrastructure works. These include critical tasks such as drainage system maintenance, embankment repairs to ensure stability, bridge strengthening to support heavier loads and modern train technology, and vital tunnel maintenance to guarantee structural integrity. The requirement for 24/7, 365-day availability means AmcoGiffen must maintain a flexible workforce and constant access to necessary materials and plant, ensuring swift responses to any issues that may arise.
Complementing the civils works, Commercial Property Maintenance Services (CPMS) has been awarded the Buildings Reactive and Minor Works Framework. Valued at up to £70 million, this contract covers the maintenance and upkeep of stations and other railway buildings. CPMS will be responsible for everything from emergency callouts to planned preventative maintenance and refurbishment projects. Like the civils contract, this framework also demands round-the-clock availability, highlighting Network Rail's commitment to ensuring all aspects of the railway environment are safe and functional at all times.
The Scotland Civils Framework: A £1.3 Billion Investment in the Future
Beyond the immediate minor works, Network Rail has also unveiled its new Scotland Civils Framework, a comprehensive agreement that will see up to £1.3 billion distributed across five key organisations over the next five years. This extensive framework will fund a wide array of projects, crucial for keeping Scotland's Railway operating safely and reliably.
The successful bidders for this significant investment include Taziker Industrial, AmcoGiffen, STORY, QTS, and VolkerRail. Notably, this marks VolkerRail's first major contract on Scotland's Railway, signalling an expansion of its operations beyond England and Wales.
Here's a breakdown of the awarded lots:
| Lot | Description | Value (Up To) | Key Contractors | Scope Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lot A | Minor Civils | £150 million | Taziker Industrial | General civils renewals, preventative structural repairs, culvert renewals. Example: Metalwork repairs and scour protection at Findhorn Viaduct. |
| Lot B | Buildings & Civils | £730 million | STORY, AmcoGiffen | Major civil renewal works on structures (tunnels, underbridges, coastal defences). Example: Coastal protection assessment and repair between Kincardine and Torryburn; scour protection on Fillan Viaduct. |
| Lot C | Geotechnical & Minor Civils | £420 million | QTS | Geotechnical and drainage renewal/refurbishment, earthworks and track drainage improvements. Example: Drainage upgrades near Cumbernauld and on the PMT line near Falkirk. |
| Signalling, Power & Communications | Specialist Works | £150 million | VolkerRail | Signalling, power and communications works. |
These contracts, each with a five-year duration and a three-year extension option based on performance, will cover essential areas such as buildings, civils, structures, earthworks, drainage, renewals, and enhancement projects across the country. Liam Sumpter, Managing Director of Network Rail Scotland, emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, "We’re investing up to £1.3bn in these framework contracts to maintain and improve our infrastructure across Scotland. The awarding of these contracts will help us continue to deliver a railway that is safe and reliable for passengers and freight." The focus on resilience, particularly against the impacts of climate change, is evident in projects like the scour protection at Findhorn Viaduct, designed to mitigate flood-related risks.
Hitachi Contract Extension: Powering Scotland's Electric Fleet
In a move that solidifies a successful partnership, ScotRail has extended its contract with Hitachi Rail for the maintenance of its 100% electric Class 385 commuter fleet. This seven-year extension ensures that Hitachi continues to play a vital role in Scotland's Railway, focusing on maintaining the fleet's peak performance and ensuring the availability of more electric trains for passengers.
The Class 385 fleet has been instrumental in supporting growth in customer demand and significantly reducing carbon emissions. ScotRail estimates that these trains have cut carbon emissions on the busy Glasgow to Edinburgh line by a remarkable 82% annually, equating to over 25,000,000 kgCO2e compared to the diesel trains they replaced. This contract extension includes both heavy and light maintenance, with an improved service quality regime and the potential integration of Hitachi's digital asset monitoring platform, HMAX. This focus on technological advancement aims to keep trains operating efficiently for longer, leading to more reliable and comfortable journeys for the growing number of passengers.
The reliability of the ScotRail Express fleet, maintained by Hitachi, is exceptional. It is currently 4.5 times more reliable than the UK industry average for fleets over 50 units. Passenger journeys on the Class 385 trains between Edinburgh and Glasgow have seen a 5% increase in 2024/25 compared to the previous year, demonstrating the success of these modern, efficient trains. Hitachi's commitment to Scotland is further underscored by its £30 million investment in upgrading the Craigentinny depot in Edinburgh, which included upskilling the workforce to manage digitally integrated trains.
This extended partnership is part of the 'Team Scotland' initiative, a collaboration between ScotRail, Transport Scotland, Network Rail, and Hitachi Rail. The Class 385 trains themselves were manufactured at Hitachi Rail's UK factory in County Durham, a testament to the broader investment in new trains and infrastructure funded by the Scottish Government and Network Rail.
East Kilbride Enhancement Project: Electrifying the Future
A significant step towards decarbonising passenger services in Scotland is the East Kilbride Enhancement Project, which has seen Network Rail award contracts worth £61.5 million. This project aims to deliver 22.4 single track kilometres of electrified railway, marking a crucial phase in the Scottish Government's decarbonisation strategy.
Contracts have been awarded to a consortium of companies including Story Contracting, AmcoGiffen, SPL Powerlines, Siemens, Rail Systems Alliance Scotland, and WSP. Over the next two years, these engineers will focus on several key areas:
- Electrification of the route between East Kilbride and Glasgow.
- Relocation of the Hairmyres station to improve accessibility.
- Upgrading the East Kilbride station to enhance accessibility.
- Implementing accessibility works at other stations along the line.
- Extending the existing loop at Hairmyres by 1.4km to improve operational flexibility.
The introduction of electric services on the East Kilbride line is expected in December 2025, promising enhanced operational performance and greater service flexibility. Gerry McQuade, Capital Delivery Director for Network Rail, highlighted the significance of these contract awards, stating, "The awarding of these contracts is a significant milestone for the East Kilbride Enhancement Project and signals the start of the main delivery phase." The project follows the successful electrification of the Glasgow-Barrhead line, which saw the introduction of ScotRail Class 380 electric passenger trains.
Scotland's Railway Infrastructure Improvement Programme: A Long-Term Vision
Underpinning these specific projects is the broader Scotland's Railway Infrastructure Improvement Programme. This is a long-term, managed plan developed by Network Rail in alignment with strategic priorities set by Transport Scotland. Informed by industry expertise and local authority input, this programme aims to deliver a pipeline of future projects designed to support Scotland's social, economic, and environmental needs.
The strategy builds upon the substantial investment made between 2014 and 2019, aiming to deliver the best railway Scotland has ever had. By incrementally improving infrastructure, the programme ensures that Scotland's rail network can support both current and future demand, aligning resources and funds effectively to realise the benefits of rail for communities and businesses across the nation. This strategic approach to infrastructure development is fundamental to achieving the Scottish Government's ambitious goals for a modern, sustainable, and efficient national railway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the total value of the new contracts awarded by Network Rail for Scotland's Railway?
Network Rail has awarded contracts worth up to £1.3 billion for the next five years.
Q2: Which companies have secured major contracts under the Scotland Civils Framework?
Taziker Industrial, AmcoGiffen, STORY, QTS, and VolkerRail have been awarded contracts.
Q3: What kind of works will AmcoGiffen be undertaking with their £150m contract?
AmcoGiffen will deliver reactive and minor works including civils, drainage, bridge strengthening, and tunnel maintenance.
Q4: What is the significance of the Hitachi contract extension for ScotRail?
The seven-year extension ensures continued maintenance of the Class 385 electric fleet, improving reliability, availability, and passenger experience, while also reducing carbon emissions.
Q5: What are the key goals of the East Kilbride Enhancement Project?
The project aims to electrify the route, improve station accessibility, and enhance operational performance, contributing to the decarbonisation of passenger services.
Q6: How does the Hitachi Class 385 fleet contribute to environmental goals?
The 100% electric Class 385 trains have significantly reduced carbon emissions on the Glasgow-Edinburgh line by 82% annually compared to diesel trains.
Q7: What is the overarching strategy for railway improvements in Scotland?
The Scotland's Railway Infrastructure Improvement Programme is a long-term plan to enhance infrastructure, support demand, and align with the Scottish Government's social, economic, and environmental priorities.
These significant investments underscore a clear vision for Scotland's railway – one that is safer, more reliable, more sustainable, and better equipped to meet the evolving needs of its users and the nation.
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