Improved EK rail service might just finally be realised Network Rail carrying out preparatory work

Work being carried out by Network Rail on the East Kilbride line is believed to be for the proposed upgrading of train services.

A planning application on the Glasgow City Council website suggests tree cutting work being carried out could be for future improvement works.

That could see the implementation of overhead wires for the electrification of the line, as well as dualling of some parts of the track.

The publicly available application identifies the demolition, modification and renewal of existing bridge structures, as well as “capacity enhancement”.

It also eludes to the lengthening of platforms, station access enhancements, and “relocation of station building at East Kilbride”.

Linda Fabiani MSP said: “After many years of campaigning for rail enhancements on the East Kilbride line, it is great to see preparatory work is now underway to identify what enhancements are possible, be it double tracking, electrification, or both.

“There is a real opportunity here to make the railway service a viable alternative to the car, whilst moving East Kilbride towards a carbon-free town. I am sure commuters will welcome any improvements and I cannot wait to see the scope of the changes - it has been a long time coming.”

Tree cutting work on the East Kilbride line paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic has now resumed.

Work was paused in March in order to protect the welfare of staff, contractors and the wider public in line with Scottish Government guidance

But work has now resumed. That sees the clearing of trees and vegetation along the 11-mile railway corridor between Glasgow and East Kilbride, which will be ongoing until December.

Katie Vollbracht from Network Rail said: “While maintenance teams have been working every night throughout the lockdown to keep the railway open and running efficiently for key workers and essential journeys, we have been advised that it is now the right time to resume work on projects which will enhance the railway.

“Consequently we are now able to resume vegetation clearance activities on both the East Kilbride and Barrhead lines.

“While we will do what we can to minimise any disturbance from the vegetation management, we understand that this work will be noisy at times and apologise for any inconvenience.”