A record-smashing annual spend on NSW’s railways is set to be included in the state’s upcoming budget – with a staggering $2.1bn to be splashed out on upgrades.
The Minns Government will this week announce a raft of projects geared at getting the most out of the state’s rail network.
These include more trains, extra staff and upgrades to signals and overhead wires – as well as pressing ahead with the major Sydney Metro project.
The major rail investment will see more than $2bn spent across the 2026/27 financial year, with the state due to announce its budget later this week.
“The vast Sydney Trains network of 14 lines, 288 stations and more than 1790 kilometres of track remains the backbone of the rail system and we are investing a record amount to ensure it delivers the reliable service that more than a million passengers a day rightly demand,” NSW Transport Minister John Graham said.
The pledge includes making more than $1bn available for signal and overhead wire upgrades across the network and extra guards and trains for services between Sydney, the Illawarra, Central Coast, Newcastle and the Blue Mountains.
It also includes spending $150m on setting up a new rapid response team for incidents and passenger support.
More than $1bn will be put aside for signal and overhead wire upgrades across the rail network, including capacity improvements as part of the Illawarra Rail Resilience Plan.
Transport secretary Josh Murray said the funding would allow for a “more integrated approach” across the state’s rail network.
“This is a significant step forward in strengthening the operational foundations of the rail network,” he said.
“We know reliability depends on more than just the recent investments to fleet and infrastructure; it depends on having a well-resources, well-co-ordinated workforce supported by strong planning and decision-making.
“Over time, passengers will see the benefit in more consistent services and a network that is better equipped to handle disruption.”