# NSW South Coast rail upgrade plans

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nsw-south-coast-rail-upgrade-plans
> Updated: 2026-11-06T02:15:00.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 3.

The New South Wales Labor Government pledged a $6.8 billion investment to upgrade the South Coast rail line, contingent on re-election in 2027. The South Coast Rail Plan proposes electrifying the line between Kiama and Bomaderry to replace diesel trains with electric services and provide direct travel to Sydney. The plan also includes duplicating tracks between Hurstville and Sutherland and adding tracks or passing loops between Wollongong and Kiama to address congestion.

An initial $621 million has been allocated to improve the resilience of the line, specifically targeting weather-related disruptions. A key focus is a rain gauge in Coalcliff: currently, if the gauge records 100 millimetres of rain within eight hours, services are suspended between Helensburgh and Waterfall for safety inspections. The investment aims to raise this rainfall trigger point to 150 millimetres to reduce the frequency of closures.

NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey stated the goal is to ensure the system works reliably for the 250,000 people who commute between Kiama and Sydney daily. While the electrification of the Kiama to Bomaderry section remains part of the broader $6.8 billion commitment, Transport for NSW has previously indicated that priority must be given to stabilizing the corridor and improving weather resilience, as 20 percent of delays are currently related to weather issues.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-06: New South Wales allocates $621 million for South Coast rail resilience

NSW is investing $621 million to improve South Coast rail resilience, aiming to reduce weather-related closures by raising rainfall trigger points and modernizing the line.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-south-wales-allocates-621-million-for-south-coast-rail-resilience

### 2026-11-05: South Coast rail electrification delayed for reliability works

Electrification of the South Coast rail line between Kiama and Bomaderry is delayed while Transport for NSW focuses on improving weather resilience and landslip protection.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-coast-rail-electrification-delayed-for-reliability-works

### 2026-10-25: NSW Labor pledges $6.8 billion South Coast rail upgrade

NSW Labor has pledged $6.8 billion to electrify the South Coast rail line to Bomaderry and remove bottlenecks if re-elected in 2027.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-south-wales-government-pledges-68-billion-for-south-coast-rail-upgrades

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Cite as: NSW South Coast rail upgrade plans. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nsw-south-coast-rail-upgrade-plans