By Simon Montague BBC News Transport Correspondent

Rail network upgrades could be in jeopardy

The company which runs passenger trains in Scotland is warning that plans to expand the rail network may have to be cut, because of the "excessive bureaucracy" of Network Rail.

ScotRail chief Peter Cotton has accused Network Rail of wrapping station improvements in red tape, forcing prices to soar so high that some schemes may be scrapped.

ScotRail is effectively the "tenant" of stations which, like track and signals, are owned by Network Rail.

The train operator said it has increasingly adopted a "do-it-yourself" attitude, to prevent improvements being priced out of range by what ScotRail describes as "exorbitant" cost estimates from its "landlord".

Examples include:

• replacing automatic doors at Glasgow Queen Street, Ayr and Dundee stations, estimated by Network Rail at �72,000, taken over and done by ScotRail for �32,000

• lighting platforms at Annan station, costed by Network Rail at �55,000, completed by Scotrail for �18,000

• trespass and vandalism measures, estimated by Network Rail at �330,000 - costed by ScotRail at �88,000.

Mr Cotton said: "These are small schemes, but given the excessive bureaucracy and risk aversion at this level, how can we be confident of value for money for major projects?"

"Overblown estimates on a larger scale could jeopardise some of the major projects now on the agenda."

Network Rail needed to streamline its management procedures, and show greater willingness to share project risks, he said.

Bigger schemes include links to Glasgow and Edinburgh airports, plans for new lines to Larkhall and a complete revamp of Edinburgh Waverley station.

'Apportion blame'

The Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive (SPTE), which funds many small projects, said it was "exceedingly hacked off" with Network Rail's rising prices.

The original estimate for new access ramps at Crossmyloof station rose by 50% to �139,000, forcing SPTE to grant an extra �47,000 of public money to get the work done.

Network Rail said train bosses had failed to recognise "the enormous amount of change and hard work" put in since it took control of the railway fourteen months ago.

Deputy Chief Executive Iain Coucher said: "Looking to apportion blame helps no-one, especially the passenger."