A new report has concluded “slow progress” is being made on long-awaited improvements to the 108-mile Aberdeen to Inverness rail line.
The analysis of Network Rail’s performance by the Office of Rail and Road found the electrification of the line between Edinburgh and Glasgow was unlikely to be completed by December this year, with “slow progress” on improvement works in the north.
In March 2011, Transport Scotland published Network Rail’s feasibility study, which identified a number of major improvements along route.
An estimated cost of between £250million and £500million has been predicted for the works which are designed to allow travellers to move between Inverness and Aberdeen in two hours.
In March 2014, the then First Minister, Alex Salmond, announced a package of enhancements worth £170 million which will be delivered over the next five years, including the construction of new stations at Kintore and Dalcross by 2019.
The report asserted: “We have concerns regarding the ability of key projects to meet their obligations and regulatory milestones.
“Projects currently in development, including Highland Mainline and Aberdeen to Inverness, are making slow progress.
“Systemic issues around project planning and delivery continue to present challenges for Network Rail.”
Last night Alex Johnstone, Conservative transport spokesman, called on Transport Minister Humza Yousaf to speed up the construction process.
He said: “Rail passengers and business people across the North East and the Highlands will be disappointed to hear that such slow progress is being made on these vital rail improvements.
“The public rightly expect the SNP to deliver on these promises – the Transport Minister must ensure that there are no further delays.”
Mr Yousaf responded: “This government is investing over £5 billion to 2019 to revolutionise a rail industry that has been badly neglected over previous decades.
“Together with Network Rail and ScotRail, we have already delivered the longest stretch of new railway seen in the UK for over 100 years, achieved the electrification of several key routes across the country and are undertaking a comprehensive programme of on-train refurbishments which are enhancing the passenger experience.”
