Network Rail has spent £130 million in the past two years to strengthen the railway against the challenges of extreme weather and make it “climate ready” for the future.
Experts have said the railway was “built for a climate that no longer exists” as it now faces conditions such as higher temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and frequent severe weather.
The £130 million invested so far is part of a £400 million programme of work being carried out between 2024 and 2029 to help “future proof” the railways.
It has included £73 million spent on earthworks and £37 million on drainage.
Scotland’s Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn said: “I welcome Network Rail’s continued investment to strengthen and future-proof our railways against the growing challenges posed by extreme weather and climate change.
“The services provided by Scotland’s rail network are critical, keeping Scotland moving by allowing passengers and freight to move safely.
“It is vital we build a rail network which is resilient to reduce disruption and protect communities.
“This funding, part of the Scottish Government’s £400 million programme of investment, will help ensure we are prepared for the growing impact of climate change on the transport network, which has become a year-round challenge.”
The work carried out so far has included £20 million spent on the West Coast Mainline to proactively improve soil and rock slopes and drainage systems, with the aim of reducing the risk of rockfalls, landslips and floods.
Between Glasgow and Edinburgh £2 million has been invested to make a steep rock face beside the line at Ratho safer, while on the West Highland Line £3 million has been used to strengthen a hillside above the railway at Falls of Cruachan following a landslip in December 2022.
Elsewhere, £2.85 million has been used to install improved drainage and strengthen adjacent earthworks on the Highland Mainline at Charleston and £850,000 has been used to improve drainage at Old Kinaldie, between Aberdeen and Inverness.
David Harkin, weather resilience and climate change adaptation strategy manager at Network Rail Scotland, said: “We see first hand the impact severe weather can have on the railway.
“In truth, our railway was built for a climate that no longer exists, and careful planning and action are required to manage that challenge.
“Our role is to understand those risks in detail and make informed decisions that reduce disruption and improve safety.
“This work is continuous and is essential if we’re to stay ahead of the challenges the railway faces today.”
Our focus is on building a railway that people can continue to depend on
Network Rail published a Climate Ready Plan in 2024 which explained how the railway is adapting to the challenges of extreme weather.
Liam Sumpter, managing director of Network Rail Scotland, said: “Rail is central to Scotland’s economy and to the communities it connects every day.
“Our focus is on building a railway that people can continue to depend on and encourages more passengers and freight companies to choose rail with confidence.
“That means looking ahead and making the right long-term decisions now.
“By continuing to invest in resilience, we’re supporting sustainable growth and helping ensure the railway remains a reliable choice for the future.”