Network Rail today reopened platforms one to six, which have not been operating since Sunday, March 8, when flames destroyed a Victorian building next to the travel hub.
This morning, a large, steady crowd has returned to the station, going to work, for a hike or meeting friends for lunch.
Glasgow Central Station fully reopens after Union Street fire (Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)
Glasgow Central Station fully reopens after Union Street fire (Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)
Glasgow Central Station fully reopens after Union Street fire (Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)
Glasgow Central Station fully reopens after Union Street fire (Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)
Innis Keith, health, safety and environment director at Network Rail, explained: “It has been really impactful, losing Glasgow Central, which is our busiest station.
“We had to reduce the timetable very significantly.
“We are delighted today to return to normal.
“All of our platforms are open and our train operating companies are back to full timetable.
“[The work completed here] was phenomenal. I saw the images of when the fire and how it took hold and to go from that within two-and-a-half weeks to have the station up and functioning has been tremendous.
“It involved loads of teams both in the rail industry and working with Glasgow City Council, working really hard, around the clock, to get us where we are today.”
Glasgow Central Station fully reopens after Union Street fire (Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)
Glasgow Central Station fully reopens after Union Street fire (Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)
Glasgow Central Station fully reopens after Union Street fire (Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)
Glasgow Central Station fully reopens after Union Street fire (Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)
David Ross, chief operating officer at ScotRail, said: “It’s great news that all high-level services have reopened.
“We are delighted and excited to welcome people back.
“It’s been a monumental effort from lots of people at the fire service, council, Network Rail and ScotRail, all working together to get things back up and running as quickly as we did after the fire.”
Mr Ross emphasised that passengers should check the company’s website for updates and speak to workers wearing bright orange clothes for help.
He added: “People may have gotten out of the way of travelling to Central by train.
“If you take a look at our website, you will be able to see the information about our timetable.
“Our staff are very happy and friendly, speak to them if you have a question.”
Glasgow Central Station fully reopens after Union Street fire (Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)
Glasgow Central Station fully reopens after Union Street fire (Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)
Glasgow Central Station fully reopens after Union Street fire (Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)
Glasgow Central Station fully reopens after Union Street fire (Image: Gordon Terris, Newsquest)
The only remaining change commuters will notice is the closure of the Gordon Street and Union Street entrances, due to the ongoing demolition work and a small exclusion zone.
Today was also the first day all train companies returned to the city centre station, including ScotRail, Network Rail, Avanti West Coast and CrossCountry, have resumed a full timetable.
Dale McDonald, regional customer service manager at CrossCountry, added: “We have reinstated our services from Glasgow and Motherwell.
“There are trains from the north of England, via Edinburgh, through to the west of Scotland, so this fire has been hugely disruptive to our customers looking to travel.
“This is my first time back in the station since it was closed and it’s fantastic to see it undamaged.
“I was certainly very concerned when I saw the social media posts after the fire, considering the history of the station.”
