Electric trains will begin running between East Kilbride and Glasgow on Sunday 14 December, following a £144m Scottish Government-backed programme that has overhauled the route's infrastructure, delivered new stations and installed overhead line equipment to cut noise and emissions.

Delivered by Network Rail over the past two years with contractor partners SPL Powerlines, AmcoGiffen, Story, QTS, Rail Systems Alliance Scotland and Siemens, the programme electrified the line from Glasgow to East Kilbride and carried out significant civil and station works. The construction scope included a new station at East Kilbride; a new two-platform Hairmyres station with an accessible footbridge; replacement of the road bridge next to Thornliebank station; new footbridges at Busby and Clarkston; and improved access at Giffnock with a new accessible footbridge and upgrades to Clarkston's Platform 2.

The two new stations at Hairmyres and East Kilbride provide step-free access and upgraded passenger facilities, strengthening the line's capacity to serve fast-growing communities while supporting modal shift to rail.

Completion was marked on Monday 8 December with project teams, stakeholders and local representatives gathering at Glasgow Central before a commemorative electric train journey to East Kilbride.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop said: "This £144m Scottish Government investment in this transformational project on the East Kilbride route brings significant improvements in stations, infrastructure, and services. It will attract new and existing passengers for years to come, making rail a more appealing choice for communities across this area.

"I want to thank all the teams that have played a part in its delivery, as well as extending my gratitude to passengers and lineside neighbours for their patience while the work took place."

With the infrastructure handed over, ScotRail will introduce Class 380 electric trains on the route, bringing immediate benefits in journey quality, reliability and sustainability for commuters, students and families travelling into Scotland's largest city and the towns in between.

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Gerry McQuade, capital delivery director at Network Rail Scotland, said: "The completion of our East Kilbride to Glasgow investment programme marks the latest milestone in the story of Scotland's Railway.

"This has been a major transformation. New stations, better facilities, better accessibility, modern infrastructure and electric trains. But together, this project is about more than tracks and trains – it's about communities. Making it easier for local people to choose rail, meaning fewer road miles and stronger connections between communities, towns and Scotland's largest city.

"I want to thank passengers and our lineside neighbours for their patience and support throughout the project. This is your railway, delivered together, and I hope everyone involved feels proud of the role they've played in shaping a railway fit for the future."

Joanne Maguire, ScotRail Managing Director, said: "Today marks another important milestone for Scotland's Railway.

"As we introduce electric trains on the East Kilbride line following the successful completion of this major electrification project, customers will start to see the benefits straight away.

"The move to class 380 trains will mean smoother, quieter, and more sustainable journeys for everyone who relies on the route - whether they're travelling to work, heading to school or university, or visiting family and friends.

"With new stations at East Kilbride and Hairmyres, and improved accessibility at Busby, Giffnock, and Clarkston, the line is now better equipped to support the growing communities it serves.

"We're grateful to customers for their patience throughout the works, and we're excited to welcome them on board this upgraded and improved railway line."

Input from local councils and the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) has helped tie the new electrified corridor into the wider transport network, supporting bus connections and active travel links alongside rail enhancements.

SPT chair, councillor Stephen Dornan said: "SPT is delighted to have supported this project, helping to deliver the new Hairmyres railway station and park-and-ride facility. This major investment by partners in modern infrastructure and facilities along this key rail route will provide local communities with cleaner, more convenient public transport options, making it easier for people to travel sustainably and reliably."

Councillor Danny Devlin, Convener for Environment and Housing at East Renfrewshire Council said: "While the building works caused disruption at the time, the end result of now having improved access and new footbridges at Thornliebank, Giffnock, Clarkston and Busby brings huge benefits to our growing communities. The move to smoother, quieter and more reliable electric trains with reduced carbon emissions further increases the appeal of travelling by train."

South Lanarkshire Council Leader Joe Fagan said: "As a local councillor, I have been calling for the electrification of the East Kilbride line for a number of years, so I am delighted that the project has now been completed. This investment can unlock new services for our community. I am also proud of the partnership working that the council has been involved with to improve the transport links for East Kilbride. The expansion of the park and ride and associated road improvements at Hairmyres Station helps increase the options available for local people."

Cllr Angus Millar, Glasgow City Council Convener for Transport and Climate said: "The introduction of electric trains between East Kilbride and Glasgow is a major step towards cleaner, greener travel. This investment will improve reliability and comfort for thousands of passengers, while supporting our commitment to sustainable transport and better connectivity for Glasgow and surrounding communities."