Published: Sunday, 27th June, 2010 2:20pm

Rail project remains on track

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THREE organisations have been selected to submit tenders for the multi-million pound rail link project between Edinburgh and the Borders.

The BAM, IMCD and New Borders Railway bids include a wide range of financial and construction companies.

The current target for completing the line between Edinburgh and Tweedbank in the Borders is 2014.

Formal expressions of interest were received from five organisations which has now been narrowed down to three.

John Swinney, the Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth said: "I am encouraged by the strong UK and European interest received from the construction and financial industry and look forward to a competitive dialogue process which will introduce real competition to the rail market, encourage innovation and drive best value for money.

"This milestone takes us another step closer to providing timetabled passenger train services to communities along the route for the first time in over 40 years. Helping to create further opportunities for Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable growth in South East Scotland and provide a safer, quicker and greener mode of transport are key aims of this Government."

It is anticipated that the award of the contract for Borders Railway will be made in winter 2011 with main construction work also beginning at this time.

All the necessary land has been acquired to allow construction of the railway. Accelerated funding was made available last year to allow advanced works to be completed early to reduce the level of risk in the main works contract. The Utilities work which began in March 2010 'triggered' the Waverley Railway (Scotland) Act 2006 states that once work has begun the railway must be finished in its entirety from Edinburgh to Tweedbank.