NSW Labor pledges $6.8 billion South Coast rail upgrade

The New South Wales Labor Government has pledged a $6.8 billion investment to upgrade the South Coast rail line, contingent on its re-election in 2027. The South Coast Rail Plan aims to electrify the line between Kiama and Bomaderry, allowing for the replacement of diesel trains with electric services and providing direct travel to Sydney without changing trains at Kiama.

To address congestion and bottlenecks, the plan includes duplicating tracks between Hurstville and Sutherland to separate passenger and freight services. It also proposes adding extra tracks and passing loops between Wollongong and Kiama to improve reliability on predominantly single-track sections.

An immediate $621 million has been allocated for critical infrastructure improvements, including signaling upgrades, drainage, and disaster mitigation against bushfires and extreme heat. Detailed planning is scheduled to begin in 2027, with construction expected to conclude by the mid-to-late 2030s.

Liberal candidates have criticized the announcement, arguing it lacks specific timelines and cost certainties, describing it as a political headline rather than a detailed delivery plan.