Passengers arriving at one of Waverley's new platforms

Four of the new platforms are at Waverley station, where a new numbering system is also being introduced.

The new platform at Haymarket will be used for those services scheduled to depart and terminate at the station.

However, travellers still face a year of disruption to services on the Fife circle and the Edinburgh Crossrail as the work continues.

Parts of the line between Waverley and Haymarket will close to allow the tracks to be realigned.

The opening of the new platforms shows that real progress is being made at Edinburgh Waverley David Simpson Network Rail

Some Fife circle services will terminate at Haymarket, meaning that passengers will have to change trains if they want to reach the centre of the capital.

All except two of the Crossrail services between Newcraighall and Dunblane will terminate at Waverley, forcing passengers to change trains.

David Simpson, route director at Network Rail, said: "The opening of the new platforms shows that real progress is being made at Edinburgh Waverley.

"They are a key part of the increase in capacity and passenger comfort that the current redevelopment will bring."

First ScotRail said there were "robust arrangements" in place to keep passengers fully informed and attempt to keep inconvenience to a minimum.

Extra staff were drafted in to help passengers find the right platforms.