Perth rail station must improve to accommodate plans for future electrification of its rail lines due to its “crucial” location a rail study has found.
Network Rail’s The Scotland Route Study suggests that the transport facility, which dates back to the 1840s, will need to upgrade its signalling and also some platforms in a bid to make it fit for the 21st Century.
The study outlines requirements for the development of Scotland’s railways for the next 30 years and part of this includes the electrification of lines between Perth and Dunblane and Perth to Edinburgh, which have been identified as ‘key’ projects to help deliver growth to the rail network.
It has been confirmed this would need to take place for the future electrification of rail lines to Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness.
Alex Deans, Perth and Kinross Council’s transport planning team leader, has also highlighted necessary changes needed both for trains and passengers.
In a report on the matter, he states: “The layout of Perth station does little to encourage a pleasant passenger experience.
“The existing single track line from Perth to Edinburgh is a constraint in improving services, particularly journey times. The station is forecast to experience significant levels of increased passenger numbers and the current layout will not be able to cater for this growth.”