Scotland’s transport minister Humza Yousaf has unveiled a new team to look into developing rail capacity in the north-east.
The group will review options for improvements between Aberdeen and Dundee, as well as for double-tracking Usan junction and the South Esk viaduct at Montrose.
Members will include representatives from Transport Scotland, Nestrans, and the ScotRail Alliance among others.
They are expected to start work next month and will consider how the Scottish Government’s £200million investment for north-east infrastructure – announced alongside the Aberdeen City Region Deal and to be spent over the same five to 10-year time span – should be used.
Campaigners have long called for better connections and opposition MSPs – while cautiously welcoming the news – warned action, rather than “mere words”, was needed.
They also urged ministers not to forget the communities further north, like Peterhead and Fraserburgh.
Mr Yousaf said the SNP administration was determined to improve journey times, capacity and performance for passengers, sustainable freight transport and businesses along “this key corridor”.
He added: “Our aim is to ensure the rail service between Aberdeen and the central belt improves transport connectivity and provides enhanced performance when travelling between cities.
“This new team, led by Transport Scotland with substantial regional input and expertise, will make a positive contribution to shaping the future of rail in the north-east.”
Nestrans Director Derick Murray said the establishment of the group came at a key time for the area.
He added: “We have seen incredible growth over the last decade in passenger figures, combined with predictions of increased demand for rail travel for the decade ahead.
“We know that ease of connectivity plays a vital role in the success of the north-east’s economy and Nestrans will continue to work to improve accessibility on both a local and a national level.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat transport spokesman Mike Rumbles called the announcement “a step in the right direction”.
But he added: “Mr Yousaf must be mindful that rail transport is an important and long neglected issue in the north-east and local people will not be satisfied with mere words.
“The north-east needs action to dramatically improve our rail links.”
Tory North East MSP Ross Thomson added: “If the minister is promising boots on the ground and work on the line, then great.
“If it’s just another announcement, people and the business community will see through it because they have heard it all before.
“It’s also important we look at the whole region, not just parts of it.”