NSW pledges $6.8bn South Coast rail upgrade before election

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 01:07 · Archive

New South Wales government pledges $6.8 billion to upgrade the 139-year-old South Coast rail line connecting Sydney to Nowra.

The NSW government has announced a $6.8 billion upgrade to the 139-year-old South Coast rail line, which connects Sydney to Nowra and is critical to the Shoalhaven and Illawarra economies. Premier Chris Minns acknowledged that locals had heard promises before and called for people to judge the government on what it is delivering. The announcement comes five months before an election.

The final diesel-serviced section of track, between Kiama and Bomaderry, would be electrified to match the rest of the line. The works would allow for more frequent services and less stopping. Transport Minister John Graham said the upgrades would prove transformational, with demand expected to grow nearly 30 per cent for passenger and freight services by 2041. 'This is one of the biggest investments in South Coast rail since steam trains first came down the line in the 1880s,' he said.

The century-old line carries about 7.6 million passengers annually alongside freight between Sydney, the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. An immediate $621 million injection would support critical infrastructure work, some already underway. Detailed planning would begin in 2027, with the project expected to take until the mid to late 2030s to complete. The line is vulnerable to weather events due to steeper terrain, winding sections and heavy rainfall.

How it is being reported

• Billion-dollar rail revamp state's latest vote pitchA state government has announced long-awaited upgrades to a 139-year-old rail line, pledging billions in spending five months out from election.The West Australian · 26 Oct, 00:29
• Billion-dollar rail revamp state's latest vote pitchA state government has announced long-awaited upgrades to a 139-year-old rail line, pledging billions in spending five months out from election.Perth Now · 26 Oct, 00:29

In this story: NSW government · Chris Minns · South Coast rail line · Sydney · Nowra · John Graham · Ryan Park · Shoalhaven

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