The first stage of the NSW Government’s proposed $6.8 billion South Coast Rail Plan is already underway, with crews beginning resilience and reliability upgrades along the South Coast rail corridor.
The Minns Government says $621 million allocated in the 2026-27 Budget is now being spent on projects targeting some of the network’s biggest causes of disruption, including flooding, bushfires, asset failures and corridor intrusions. Works already underway include bridge repairs at Stanwell Park, culvert improvements at Scarborough and track renewals near Kiama.
The rail plan, announced last month as an election commitment, would see the electrification of the Kiama to Bomaderry line, additional tracks and passing loops between Wollongong and Kiama, and major bottleneck removals along the corridor. Planning for the larger infrastructure upgrades is expected to begin in 2027, with construction targeted for completion in the mid to late 2030s.
Transport Minister John Graham said the South Coast had missed out on major rail investment for too long, while Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast Ryan Park described the project as a “generational investment” for the region. Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said funding for the project was already flowing, with resilience work now underway across the line.
