Network Rail is aiming return passenger rail services to the Borders for the first time in 40 years after taking over the railway construction project from the Scottish Government.
The railway line has been given a completion date of summer 2015, but Network Rail has said it is aiming to finish the project by the end of 2014.
Construction of the £294 million line is due to begin at the start of next year.
The agreement was signed in Newtongrange Mining Museum this morning (November 6).
With Network Rail’s involvement, the total 30-year construction and maintenance cost of the scheme is now £60 million less than initial estimates.
Transport Minister Keith Brown said: “The official handover of the Borders project to Network Rail today marks a milestone in our efforts to provide a fast and efficient rail link that will significantly contribute to area’s economy.
“The Borders Railway will bring inward investment for the local community plus approximately £33 million of benefits for the wider Scottish economy. It will support 400 jobs during the construction phase and act as a catalyst for increased business development and housing opportunities within easy commuting distance of Edinburgh.”
David Simpson, route managing director, Network Rail Scotland, added: “We’re delighted now to have reached an agreement on delivery of a project which will finally bring Midlothian and the central Scottish Borders back into the railway network.
“This agreement sets out an achievable delivery schedule and allows us to have trains running along the route in summer 2015. Network Rail has already been involved extensively with advance works and we have begun actively engaging with communities along the route to prepare communities for the impact of this major engineering challenge.”
The new line will include 30 miles of new passenger railway with three existing stations and seven new ones. From north to south, new stations will be built in Shawfair, Eskbank, Newtongrange, Gorebridge, Stow, Galashiels and Tweedbank.
Paul Tetlaw, Transform Scotland’s rail campaigner, said: “We welcome the announcement of the final go-ahead for the building of the Borders Railway. Network Rail have progressed this matter speedily since they were eventually given responsibility for the project.
“We now look forward to new through trains from the Borders to the heart of Edinburgh which this will open up a whole new range of journey opportunities for people in the Borders and for tourists wishing to visit the Borders.”
