Network Rail is to spend £4bn on improving Scotland’s train lines by 2019.

The funding will go towards projects across the country’s network, including the electrification of the main line between Glasgow and Edinburgh and reopening 30 miles of railway between the Borders and Edinburgh.

Network Rail released its business plan today for 2014-2019, which shows the company intends to electrify further lines in Stirling, Dunblane and Alloa, as well as selected suburban Glasgow routes.

The company plans to "shorten journey times and increase capacity" for passengers.

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It will also carry out works for signalling and track improvements on the West Coast Main Line in Lanarkshire.

David Simpson, Network Rail route managing director for Scotland, said: "In Scotland, rail travel is more popular than ever and demand is predicted to continue to grow rapidly in the future.

"A wide range of enhancements have been identified which will continue to grow capacity and extend the reach of rail in the years ahead, while driving down costs, increasing cross-industry cooperation and improving value for both passengers and taxpayers.

"As an industry we have achieved a huge amount, but we are already seeing the benefit of working more closely together with our customers and suppliers and that must remain at the heart of everything we do. Our aim is to be a trusted leader in the industry as we work to build a better railway for a better Britain."

The work in Scotland will be part of a £37.5bn plan to expand throughout the UK.

(IT)