The money will go towards the electrification of sections of the Fife and Borders railways, Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop has confirmed.

In addition to this it will also help support the introduction of new, battery electric trains on these lines, replacing trains which are almost 40 years old.

The funding includes cash towards the initial procurement for the 69 new trains – which will replace 97 ageing electric and diesel units currently operating in Fife, the Borders, and Glasgow.

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Fewer trains are needed because the new trains will be longer, with higher capacity than the trains they replace – with funding still required to be found for the purchase of these at a later date.

Hyslop said: “I am delighted to confirm that the next phase in Scotland’s programme to decarbonise the railway network will involve the electrification of sections of the Fife and Borders railways.

“This will support the deployment of battery-electric trains across these key routes.

“This latest Scottish Government investment, in excess of £342 million, demonstrates our continuing commitment to making Scotland’s railway even greener, with greater capacity and reliability.”

She spoke out after taking the train to North Queensferry in Fife – with the journey there allowing her to see work already said to be “well under way” to facilitate the introduction of new electric trains.

(Image: Jane Barlow) The Transport Secretary added: “Today, on my journey to Fife, I was able to see the significant progress already being made to electrify the line south of the Forth Bridge and I am pleased works are now under way near Leven.

“I look forward to returning to Fife to see developments as this work progresses.”

She continued: “Just as we are investing in our routes, so too are we committed to modernising our fleets, that is why I can also confirm that ScotRail has been authorised to initiate a procurement exercise for new battery-electric trains that will operate on the Borders Railway, Fife, and also for the replacement of some of those electric fleets currently operating in Glasgow.

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“We are rightly proud of this Scottish Government’s ongoing commitment to Scotland’s railway and the opportunities it can bring to communities and businesses across the nation as we continue to deliver for rail passengers.”

The electrification work is expected to be completed by 2029, with the new trains then expected to arrive in 2031.

Katie Vollbracht, principal programme sponsor for Network Rail, stated: “Electrifying the Fife and Borders lines is a significant step forward in our plans for a better and decarbonised railway for Scotland.

“We are delivering around 140km (87 miles) of electrification in Fife and the Borders, paving the way for the introduction of battery-electric trains on these routes which will provide more capacity and reliability and cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable journeys.”

She described the work as being a “major upgrade that will bring long-term benefits for passengers and communities.”.

ScotRail’s chief operating officer David Ross said: “This is fantastic news for our customers.

“Electrifying more of Scotland’s railway is a vital step towards delivering a more modern, sustainable network upon which people and communities can rely.

“This significant Scottish Government investment will allow us to operate greener, more reliable trains, with more seats on board and greater comfort and accessibility.

“Together, these improvements will make rail travel an even more attractive choice for communities right across Scotland.”