Auckland Rail Services to Pause for 16 Days in April 2025

Auckland will suspend all passenger rail services from April 12 to 27 as KiwiRail accelerates key upgrades ahead of the City Rail Link’s opening scheduled for next year. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Major Upgrade Push to Modernize Auckland’s Network

The 16-day closure aligns with Easter and Anzac holidays, reducing the impact on daily commuters and allowing construction teams to complete critical projects without disrupting peak-time travel.

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KiwiRail confirmed that work includes underground infrastructure upgrades and track improvements vital to future rail capacity. Limited freight operations will continue during the temporary closure.

David Gordon, head of capital planning at KiwiRail, explained that school holidays provide an ideal period for large-scale work. He emphasized the need to finish key preparations for the City Rail Link.

Crews recently completed the electrification of a 19-kilometer section between Papakura and Pukekohe. This, along with previous track enhancements, demonstrates the benefit of extended access windows.

Auckland commuters offered replacement services during pause

To assist travelers, Auckland Transport will operate full rail replacement buses. These buses will stop at all train stations and include express routes on the Southern Line.

Director Stacey van der Putten thanked passengers for their patience and encouraged them to plan ahead, especially with changes on the Western Line and fewer express services than during summer.

She also noted positive results from earlier closures. The electrification completed in summer now enables peak-hour trains to Pukekohe every 10 minutes—doubling previous capacity and improving efficiency.

While the suspension may inconvenience some, officials say it’s a crucial step in preparing Auckland’s rail system for growth and modern transit needs. The investment ensures long-term improvements across the metro.

Source: www.1news.co.nz

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