South Coast rail promised A$6.8 billion overhaul under NSW Labor
The election commitment would extend electric services to Bomaderry, with planning expected to start in 2027 and construction completed in the mid to late 2030s.
The NSW government has promised to spend A$6.8 billion upgrading the South Coast railway if returned at the next election. The announcement follows its withdrawal of a proposed timetable after commuters objected to longer trips and a lost airport connection.
Under the plan, electrification would extend from Kiama to Bomaderry, allowing Sydney–Nowra passengers to complete their journey without transferring to a diesel train. More tracks and passing loops are proposed for the stretch linking Wollongong and Kiama.
Track duplication from Hurstville to Sutherland would keep freight and passenger trains separate. Transport Minister John Graham said this would relieve a constraint on the network and enable service improvements along the line.
The government expects planning to begin in 2027 and construction to finish in the mid to late 2030s. The commitment includes A$621 million for initial infrastructure upgrades, with some work already under way using funding from the latest state budget.
The abandoned November timetable would have delivered more frequent services on the T4 and South Coast lines. Commuter opposition centred on increased journey times and losing the Wolli Creek connection to the airport.
Illawarra Minister Ryan Park said the government was focused on the upgrade rather than considering other short-term service changes. Premier Chris Minns acknowledged that earlier promises left unfulfilled could make the public sceptical.
