Australia Rail News Weekly Review: July 30–August 5

AUSTRALIA: This concise weekly review presents a selection of Australian railway news published from July 30 to August 5, 2026: rolling stock, metro testing, infrastructure delivery and rail safety.

Rolling Stock and Passenger Operations

Victoria doubles its X’trapolis 2.0 order

Victoria exercised a €270 million option for 25 more six-car X’trapolis 2.0 electric trains, doubling the fleet under manufacture from 25 to 50. Alstom will build the additional units in Victoria under a 60% local-content requirement. Each train can carry 1,225 passengers, while the wider A$1.5 billion program also covers Craigieburn maintenance upgrades and supports up to 750 local jobs.

G Class trams start carrying Melbourne passengers

Melbourne’s first G Class tram entered Route 59 passenger service on 30 July, starting the rollout of a 100-vehicle fleet. The low-floor tram accommodates up to 150 passengers, around twice the capacity of the Z and A Class vehicles it is intended to replace. Further deployment to routes 57 and 82, followed by routes 12, 48 and 58, depends on deliveries and driver training.

Airport metro train moves into static testing

The first three-car train for the Western Sydney Airport metro has moved into static testing at Orchard Hills before dynamic trials later in 2026. The fully automated unit carries 645 passengers and is the first of 12 trainsets, with the other 11 due progressively through 2026 and 2027. Construction continues on the 23-kilometre, six-station line between St Marys and Bradfield City Centre.

Southwest Metro begins final operational trials

Sydney’s Southwest Metro has entered final Trial Running, with more than 120 operational scenarios planned to test normal service, disruptions and emergency responses. Two major exercises will involve up to 400 volunteers. Passenger services can begin only after the trials and remaining regulatory approvals are complete; Sydney Metro did not announce an opening date, preserving a clear distinction between operational testing and public service.

Regional stops return at Benalla and Euroa

Passenger trains will again stop at Benalla and Euroa from 31 August while Inland Rail precinct works continue. Benalla passengers will use the new west platform and underpass with interim station facilities, while Euroa will reopen its upgraded platform and a 50-space car park. The complete precincts are scheduled to open in the new year, with Victorian Inland Rail construction continuing toward late 2027.

Infrastructure and Project Delivery

Burwood shaft receives two SRL tunnel machines

Two 500-tonne tunnel-boring-machine shields, Alice and Hacia, have been lowered into the Suburban Rail Loop’s Burwood launch shaft. Using Victoria’s first umbilical launch method, the machines will begin excavating toward Glen Waverley before crews add their remaining sections. SRL East requires eight TBMs for 26 kilometres of twin tunnels between Cheltenham and Box Hill, with passenger service scheduled for 2035.

Clayton moves from wall construction to excavation

Excavation of the future Clayton station box has started after crews completed 123 reinforced-concrete diaphragm wall panels. More than 500 metres of walls now define the station box and its underground passenger connection to the existing station, while also helping control groundwater. The site has moved from perimeter construction into deep excavation for one of six planned SRL East stations.

Broadford bridge replacement brings a two-month closure

Marchbanks Road in Broadford will close from 16 August until mid-October while Inland Rail demolishes and replaces the railway bridge, with the detour expected to add 15–20 minutes. The new crossing will stand 3.7 metres higher and 11 metres wider, creating clearance for double-stacked freight trains. Four steel beams longer than 60 metres, weighing about 600 tonnes together, will support the structure.

Policy, Funding and Safety Oversight

SRL cancellation costing tests Victoria’s budget debate

A Parliamentary Budget Office costing requested by David Limbrick estimated that cancelling SRL East would improve Victoria’s budget position by $21 billion over ten years. The scenario combines $33 billion in avoided works and interest with about $12 billion in termination and other costs, assuming the project opens on budget in 2035. It is not a government decision: Premier Ben Carroll said existing contracts would not be cancelled.

ONRSR sets a 20-risk inspection program

ONRSR has identified 20 critical safety risks for its national inspection program over the next 12 months, including six areas specific to freight rail. The regulator will use audits, inspections, field visits and inquiries to examine controls for level crossings, crew factors, dangerous-goods fires, rolling-stock irregularities, loading and marshalling, and major-incident response under the Rail Safety National Law.