Malaysian Students at Heriot-Watt joined efforts to reopen Edinburgh’s Historic South Suburban Railway

16 April 2025

PUTRAJAYA: A team of five Master's degree students in civil engineering at Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University is spearheading efforts to revive the South Suburban Railway, a historic rail route that has been closed to passenger services for over 60 years.

The five-member team includes Malaysian students Tan Chang Xun and Hoo Yuen Fong, who are studying at Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus through the University’s Go Global programme. They are joined by UK students Caitlin Cummings, Natalia Greenan, and Corey Boyle, who have previously engaged with the Go Global programme in Malaysia and are contributing their expertise to this project.

Their ambitious proposal features a tram-train system, presenting a cost-effective, low-carbon alternative to car travel while enhancing public transport connectivity in the city. The initiative has garnered significant public support, with over 3,000 individuals signing a petition within two months. The students have also had the opportunity to present their proposal at the Scottish Parliament.

Additionally, their research has received academic recognition, having been accepted for presentation at the British Conference of Undergraduate Research 2025, set to take place in April 2025 at Newcastle University, the UK’s largest conference dedicated to undergraduate research. This event provides a platform for students to showcase their dissertations, research projects, internships, or end-of-term essays.

If implemented, the South Suburban Railway would establish a new transport corridor serving Edinburgh’s southern neighbourhoods, seamlessly integrating into the existing tram network. Originally opened in 1884, the 12.3 km railway line ceased passenger services in 1962 but continues to be used for freight. The route passes through densely populated areas such as Craiglockhart, Morningside, Newington, and Cameron Toll, making it an ideal candidate for the revival of passenger services.

The line currently boasts six platforms, which the students acknowledge will require renovation. Their plans also include the addition of five new platforms at Portobello, Fort Kinnaird, Niddrie/Bingham, Cameron Toll, and the Brunstane stop, which presently serves as a train station.

Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi, Provost and CEO of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, commended the students' efforts: "At Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, we equip students with the knowledge and global exposure necessary to tackle real-world challenges. Our world-class engineering programme and Go Global initiative furnish them with the skills and international perspective required to innovate and lead sustainable projects, empowering them to drive meaningful change in the communities they serve."

Final-year MEng Civil Engineering student Tan Chang Xun emphasised the urgency of the initiative, stating, “Growing up in Malaysia, I have witnessed how integrated transport networks like the MRT, LRT, and KTM Komuter can enhance a city's accessibility and sustainability. Edinburgh’s public transport system needs to evolve to meet the growing demand for greener travel. The South Suburban Railway presents a unique opportunity to repurpose existing infrastructure to serve modern needs. Our tram-train proposal provides a practical, low-carbon alternative that would expedite daily commutes while promoting greener and more accessible travel.”

His teammate, fellow final-year MEng Civil Engineering student Hoo Yuen Fong, underscored the potential benefits for local communities, commenting, “This project is about more than just transport—it’s about connecting people. Many communities in south Edinburgh lack direct links to the city centre. A tram-train system would offer a seamless, environmentally friendly means to bridge that gap while alleviating road congestion. In Malaysia, public transport has revolutionised urban mobility, and we aspire to contribute to similar positive changes in Malaysia and beyond.”

Previous calls to reopen the route for passenger use have encountered challenges related to cost. Nevertheless, with Edinburgh’s population growing and the demand for sustainable public transport solutions on the rise, this project presents a fresh opportunity to explore its feasibility.

Edinburgh City Council’s Transport and Environmental Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, acknowledged that the South Suburban Railway has long been a topic of discussion in relation to Edinburgh’s transport future. He noted that as the city expands, innovative solutions are essential to support growth while addressing climate commitments. He emphasised that an interconnected public transport system is crucial for accommodating the increasing population while reducing reliance on cars. The students' efforts, he remarked, contribute significantly to this broader conversation, showcasing both technical expertise and a compelling vision for the city’s future.

The students’ campaign is part of a larger movement advocating for improved transport solutions in Edinburgh, aligning with the city’s long-term sustainability goals. As discussions continue, their work stands as a robust argument for revitalising this historic railway to address contemporary needs.

The University’s Civil Engineering Master’s Programme is accredited in both the United Kingdom and Malaysia (Engineering Accreditation Council Malaysia).