EGIP Delivery – A message from Programme Director
The Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP) is a comprehensive package of improvements to Scotland's railway infrastructure. A Scottish Government investment worth £742m, EGIP is being delivered by Network Rail and includes modernisation and upgrades to key junctions and infrastructure as well as widespread electrification of the Scottish rail network, including the main line between Edinburgh and Glasgow.
As we prepare to embark on the most substantial delivery phase of the programme, it is important to make clear our commitment to being open and transparent and fully engaged in the communities where we will be working.
Electrification of the railway has tangible benefits for passengers; reduced journey times and the introduction of a new modern fleet of electric trains. Electrification also benefits those who live beside the railway as the new trains will be lighter, quieter and cleaner thus reducing noise and vibration for those adjacent to the railway and by cutting diesel emissions. Longer term it will mean less disturbance from our maintenance work as lighter trains are less wearing on the tracks.
It is clear that this programme of investment will lead to a step change in the quality of the overall passenger experience on our busiest railway corridor. Until the work is complete, passengers and people who live near the railway are likely to experience some inconvenience - either at the stations we are redeveloping or near the lines we are electrifying.
Conscious that our work is largely taking place at night and is heavy engineering, it is important to be up front in stating that there will be some noise and disruption. The transient nature of piling means that any disturbance will be for a limited time at a single location before moving to the next site some 40 metres further on. We can only ask for your patience while we deliver this strategically important investment in our railway infrastructure.
Network Rail has significant experience in delivering major projects while minimising the impact on communities and maintaining the operation of train services throughout. And whether it is the redevelopment of Glasgow’s Queen Street, the construction of the new Edinburgh Gateway interchange or the electrification of 150km of railway, it is our intention to deliver our work safely and with the potential impact of the wider community foremost in our planning.
My personal commitment to you is that we will do everything within our power to deliver our programme of work efficiently and in a way that minimises disruption and inconvenience for our lineside neighbours and those who travel by train.
Rodger Querns
EGIP Programme Director