The Scotsman

No ‘cast-iron guarantee’ over new trains date

- By ALASTAIR DALTON

Network Rail chief executive Mark Carne has said he cannot give a “cast-iron guarantee” that a full electric train service will start on the main Edinburghg­lasgow line in December.

His admission to MSPS confirms a Scotland on Sunday story, which also revealed the first electric trains would not run until October – nearly a year late. Mr Carne said delays to the project were “most regrettabl­e” and they would increase its cost, which is currently estimated by Network Rail as £804 million. However, he declined to say what the final figure would be because “some of the costs are commercial­ly in dispute”.

Industry sources have told The Scotsman the total could reach £850m.

It has yet to be decided whether Network Rail or any of its contractor­s would have to pay the extra costs.

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