A rail line linking train services across Glasgow would be used by four million passengers a year, a new report reveals.

A rail line linking train services across Glasgow would be used by four million passengers a year, a new report reveals.

The plan would result in a boost to the Scottish economy of more than £1billion over 60 years.

Consultants have completed an investigation into how the Crossrail project would benefit the city.

The scheme, which at 2005 prices was estimated to cost between £115m and £187m, is regarded as the missing link in Scotland's rail network.

Building a new stretch of line south of the Clyde would mean passengers travelling to Glasgow from the south would no longer have to walk between Central and Queen Street stations to continue their journey east or north.

New stations would be built at West Street, Gorbals and Glasgow Cross.

It is estimated the Glasgow Cross station would be used by 3.8m passengers a year, making it the fourth busiest station in Scotland after Central and Queen Street in Glasgow and Waverley in Edinburgh.

West Street station is predicted to attract 430,000 passengers and Gorbals 510,000.

Alistair Watson, chairman of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, which commissioned the new report, said: "SPT has argued the case for Crossrail for a long, long time.

"Now it is not just us insisting Crossrail is a goer - the claims are now backed by this independent study produced by one of the railway's most respected consultants.

"Crossrail is worth the money for Glasgow and Scotland. It would not cost hundreds of millions and would be a vital addition to the regeneration of the city's East End.

"By any standards, that is an impressive hat-trick."

This summer, the Scottish Government will decide its transport spending priorities for the next 10 years.

And SPT will now push to ensure Crossrail is high up the list.

An early decision to back the new transport link is regarded as vital if is to be up and running in time for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

A report, which goes before a meeting of SPT this week, states: "Crossrail provides an opportunity to create a significant increase in cross-Glasgow capacity, at the same time serving key regeneration areas on the east side of the city centre at relatively modest cost."

The report says the link would provide businesses with better access to potential staff and make it easier for people to access educational, shopping and leisure facilities.