East Kilbride line welcomes first electric train test run
17.10.2025
The East Kilbride line has been at an important milestone with an electric train successfully undergoing its initial test trip from Glasgow, showcasing the fruits of a £144 million modernization program.
This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.
East Kilbride line sets new standards in Scottish rail
Network Rail Scotland carried out the overnight test on October 13 with a Class 380 electric train to verify system performance. Engineers tested the new overhead equipment and validated the credibility of the traction network.
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“This first electric train on the line at East Kilbride is something to uncompromisingly pride ourselves on,” commented Gerry McQuade, Network Rail Scotland Capital Delivery Director. “It’s a tangible indication of all the work we’ve done and how much execution was undertaken to get to this point.”
He also maintained that line upgrade promotes Scotland’s shift to cleaner transport. “By supporting electric trains to operate, we make trains more reliable, cleaner, and an improve passenger experience,” McQuade explained.
The electrification is part of the East Kilbride Enhancement Project, which has been-funded by the Scottish Government. Upon completion, the line will provide quicker and cleaner journeys to thousands of passengers per day.
East Kilbride line brings modern stations and community benefits
Engineers have also put in more than 22 km of overhead line and double-tracked 1.4 km of railway between Hairmyres and East Kilbride. They also constructed new footbridges at Giffnock, Clarkston, and Busby stations and rebuilt four bridges to allow electric clearance.
There are two new spanking new stations in the project: the £16 million Hairmyres station, which was opened in May, and the £9 million East Kilbride station, which was opened in August. They have increased accessibility, up-to-the-minute facilities, and connectivity with local transportation networks.
“electric trains being trialed on the East Kilbride route is a brilliant milestone for Scotland’s Railway,” declared Mark Ilderton, Service Delivery Director at ScotRail. “It’s a gigantic step in the direction of a greener, more reliable, and more efficient service”
Network Rail maintains collaboration with contractors such as SPL Powerlines, AmcoGiffen, Story, QTS, Rail Systems Alliance Scotland, and Siemens. The line to and from East Kilbride now serves as a reference point in the UK rail infrastructure in green infrastructure.
Source: www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk
News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:
What is the East Kilbride line electrification project?
It’s a £144 million Scottish Government initiative to electrify and modernize the railway between Glasgow and East Kilbride, improving sustainability and passenger comfort.
When will electric services begin on the East Kilbride line?
According to ScotRail, the first electric passenger services will begin in December after final testing and driver training.
How will the East Kilbride line improve travel?
Electric operation will reduce carbon emissions, shorten travel times, and enhance reliability, making rail a greener and more attractive choice for daily commuters.
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