The New South Wales government has pledged AU$6.8 billion to transform the South Coast Rail Line, marking the largest single investment in heavy rail infrastructure across the region in generations.
The ambitious South Coast Rail Plan will electrify the line between Kiama and Bomaderry, replacing ageing diesel trains with modern electric fleet models. The shift will allow passengers to travel directly to Sydney’s Central Station without needing to interchange at Kiama.
To address long-standing capacity constraints and bottlenecks along the corridor, the government plans to double tracks at key locations between Wollongong and Kiama, remove level crossings, and install quadruple tracking between Hurstville and Sutherland to separate freight and passenger services on the T4 Illawarra Line.
Demand along the South Coast Line, which currently serves 7.6 million passengers annually, is projected to grow significantly by 2041, with passenger demand rising by 29 per cent and freight by 26 per cent.
While detailed planning works for the major electrification and track duplication phases will commence in 2027 and construction slated for completion by the mid to late 2030s, an immediate AU$621 million investment is already underway.
This preliminary funding covers essential power and signalling upgrades, track elevation, embankment stabilisation between Waterfall and Wollongong, and bushfire protection measures.
Premier Chris Minns said the investment would deliver faster, more frequent, and more reliable train services while supporting regional jobs and tourism without privatising public assets.
“This isn’t just about better trains for commuters. It’s about backing local jobs, supporting industry and boosting tourism in the region.”
Transport Minister John Graham described the package as one of the most significant rail investments for the region since the 1880s, ensuring regional public transport keeps pace with population growth.
Regional MPs and community leaders welcomed the commitment, noting that the upgrades will dramatically improve connectivity, reduce travel times, and provide long-overdue infrastructure certainty for residents across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.
