Network Rail has just published its UK business plan for 2014 to 2019 which it has sent to to Rail Regulator for approval.
The plan proposes to invest £4 billion over the five year period in Scotland on improving the rail infrastructure such as track, bridges and new stations.
Priorities in Scotland, set by the Scottish Government, include electrifying the line between Glasgow and Edinburgh, and completing the Borders rail link.
Unfortunately this means that the extension of the electrification of the East Coast mainline from Edinburgh to Aberdeen does not appear as a priority in the plans for 2014-19.
It is positive that the future of through trains has been secured on the London Kings Cross to Aberdeen East Coast mainline route by the ordering of replacement 'bi-mode trains' with underfloor diesel engines to operate on non-electrified routes. But the lack of ambition in the electrification programme on the Edinburgh to Aberdeen route is a disappointment.
The future of rail services is an important practical issue for Dundee rail passengers. It is also a strategic issue for the City as we anticipate a significant growth in tourists when the VandA opens in Dundee.
