Network Rail is set to deliver a new £33m train depot and staff accommodation facilities within the Cadder railway yard in Scotland, as part of ongoing investment by the Scottish Government into the devolved nation’s railway network.
Located between Bishopbriggs and Lenzie, the existing railway yard will see the construction of three new service platforms and night-time accommodation for six High Speed Trains (HSTs).
The site will also benefit from a new modular building to accommodate up to 250 support staff working on Scotland’s Railway.
A new cleaning facility and refuelling unit will also be installed, which will allow for night time cleaning, servicing and maintenance for the HSTs which travel from Glasgow and Edinburgh to Aberdeen and Inverness.
The first test visit by a HST was carried out in early May, with operational activities set to begin on site by the end of June 2021 and the full facility will be in use by December 2021.
Up to 100 railway staff can be on site each day working to deliver the project, which forms part of Network Rail’s commitment to improve reliability and resiliency across Scotland’s rail network.
Scottish Transport Minister Graeme Dey said: “This impressive new depot, funded by the Scottish Government, will service the requirements of the refurbished High Speed Train fleet that has transformed long-distance travel between Scotland’s seven cities.
“It offers real benefits including supporting over 200 existing jobs while also creating the potential for up to 25 new roles.
“I have also been impressed by the collaboration displayed between Network Rail, the Rail Systems Alliance, Scotland and the various contractors who have been working together to deliver this new facility.”
Syeda Ghufran, ScotRail Engineering Director, added: “Cadder depot is going to be an impressive addition to our maintenance facilities.
“Being able to accommodate some of our HST fleet there overnight will take the pressure off other depots around the country and Cadder, located between Bishopbriggs and Lenzie on the Edinburgh to Glasgow line, is an ideal location for stabling ScotRail HSTs.”
