Scottish rail freight is set to be strengthened by up to £25 million of ring-fenced funds over the next five years.
The Scottish government’s decision was announced by Transport Secretary Michael Matheson during a visit to the Freightliner Terminal in Coatbridge earlier this month.
Rail freight industry partners, including Network Rail and Transport Scotland, are invited to table proposals for improvements that meet freight modal shift objectives.
Innovative proposals that meet strategic objectives without costly infrastructure upgrades are also welcome.
Mr Matheson said: “This government has a strong track record of support for rail freight, which we are committed to taking forward over the next five-year funding period.
“We know that rail freight and modal shift to rail reduces road congestion, improves air quality and reduces emissions.
"Rail freight services are vital to sustainable economic growth across Scotland.
“This fund will support the development and delivery of strategic rail freight projects that improve capacity and capability.
“It aims to complement our existing and future investment in Scotland’s railways.”
Paul McMahon, managing director of Freight and National Passenger Operators at Network Rail, said: “Over the next five years, we’ve committed to working with our industry partners to get new traffic onto Scotland’s railways, and this announcement is welcome.
“We understand that Network Rail is vital to supporting freight growth, but this will only be realised by working in partnership with the wider industry.”