Yousaf in call for control of railways
● SNP demands full powers over Network Rail after huge overspend
The cost of two major upgrades to Scotland’s rail network has doubled, a report has found.
The combined cost of five key schemes has increased by £379 million to more than £1.5 billion, the Scottish Government-commissioned report said.
Transport minister Humza Yousaf called for full control of Network Rail to be handed to Holyrood.
Transport minister Humza Yousaf has called for full control of Network Rail after it was revealed the cost of two major upgrades had doubled.
The combined cost of five key schemes increased by £379 million to more than £1.5 billion, a Scottish Government commissioned report showed.
The cost of electrifying the main Edinburgh-glasgow line via Falkirk has gone up by £136m – 20 per cent – to £795m. Completion has already been delayed from December to next July.
The report, by accountants Ernst & Young, said there had been significant cost underestimates, failure to meet regulations and poor knowledge of existing infrastructure.
Mr Yousaf told MSPS he was “astounded” at the lack of Holyrood control of Network Rail – a UK government body – and called for the full devolution of powers over it.
The cost of upgrading the Aberdeen-inverness line is expected to rise from £170m to £330m, electrification of a secondary Edinburgh-glasgow line via Shotts from £80m to £160m, and electrification of lines to Dunblane and Alloa from £105m to £160m.
However, improvements to the Perth-inverness route could now cost only £65m – half as much as expected.
Mr Yousaf told the rural economy and connectivity committee: “I’m astounded at the lack of leverage and con- trol the Scottish Parliament has over Network Rail.”
He added: “I do not feel that is an acceptable situation whatsoever.”
The cost increases contrast with Network Rail’s previous recordin Scotland. Construction of the Borders Railway, Airdrie-bathgate line and the overhaul of Waverley Station in Edinburgh were completed on time and budget.
Scottish Labour transport spokesman Neil Bibby said: “With infrastructure costs now rocketing, it’s no wonder people are increasingly of the opinion the SNP government are failing to competently run our public transport system.”
Network Rail said it had published early estimates before the true costs had been fully established.
Scotland infrastructure projects director Karl Budge said it had already made improvements.
UK government rail minister Paul Maynard said: “We are committed to working closely with the Scottish Government to provide a better railway for passengers. However, there are no plans to go beyond the cross-party Smith Commission agreement in respect of Network Rail.”