The line closed to passenger services 60 years ago, on September 8, 1962, and is now only used for freight trains and occasionally as a diversion route for other services.
But many see the route as an under-used asset and want to see it brought back into regular use as a way of tackling congestion and pollution caused by the number of cars, lorries and buses clogging the city’s roads. It would also make it much easier to get from one area to another without going into the city centre.
These pictures show the line and its stations before the closure and also how it looks now.
5. Disused Newington station
The disused Newington station, pictured in 2015, more than four decades after its closure. Photo: Andrew O'Brien
6. Blackford Hill station
The closed Blackford Hill rail station at Blackford Avenue, pictured in June 1966. Photo: Joe Steele
7. Tending the flower beds at Morningside station
Stationmaster Thomas Dagg and head porter Frank Ramsay working on the flower beds at Morningside station: Photo: Scotsman Publications
8. Commuters exiting Morningside station
Commuters file up the steps from the platform as they make their way out of Morningside railway station, 1961. Photo: Scotsman Publications