The Edinburgh Glasgow Rail Improvement Programme (EGIP) is "making good progress", according to Transport Minister Derek Mackay.

Minister Mackay was updating the Scottish Parliament on progress of the scheme, following a Parliamentary Question from Sandra White MSP.

"EGIP is making good progress and, as members are aware, a major milestone will be reached this summer with the works at the Winchburgh Tunnel," he said. "Unfortunately this will mean a change to usual operations on the route but ScotRail and Network Rail are working together to minimise the disruption and ensure passengers can still travel between the two cities.

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"I can confirm that the rail industry will tomorrow launch a major publicity and communications campaign to inform passengers of the work that is being done, the impact of that work and how passengers can continue to make their journeys during this time.

"EGIP is part of the biggest ever package of improvements to our transport networks currently being managed by Transport Scotland and partners and a coordinated programme is in place to minimise the impact on users."

The Scottish government has said that, once complete, EGIP will deliver a 20% reduction in journey times and 30% more capacity within four years.

(IT/JP)