A long-term plan has been published examining how Scotland's railway system could be transformed over the next 30 years.

Network Rail's 'Scotland Route Study' anticipates the rail usage growth in the country between 2019 – 2043 and potential future options have been listed to enhance the network.

Choices which could inform future funding decisions include:

• ​Four-tracking the East Coast Main Line between Drem-Prestonpans

• ​Edinburgh Waverley platform extensions / enhancement of approaches to the station

• ​Lengthening services on the Ayrshire and Inverclyde routes

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• ​Enhancing capacity at Glasgow Central

• ​Phased electrification to Perth

• ​Electrification of East Kilbride/Barrhead and Kilmarnock/Barassie lines

• ​Remodelling Carstairs junction

• ​Remodelling Perth Station

​• Route enhancements on Inverness/Aberdeen/Far North

Edinburgh commuter traffic is forecasted to increase 135% by 2043, while Glasgow is predicted to rise 128% and Aberdeen by 226%.

Phil Verster, Network Rail managing director Scotland, said: "Travel on Scotland's railway is more popular now than ever before with more than 96m journeys made on our network each year.

"We have seen passenger numbers nearly double over the last two decades and we need to make sure we have the plans in place to invest confidently in our infrastructure to meet future demand.

"The Scotland Route Study provides clear options for the future of Scotland's railway – setting out key choices for our funders to enable the country to continue to build on the industry's current success."

To view the full study, visit here.

(LM/CD)