City Rail Link marked a milestone as Prime Minister Luxon and Auckland leaders took the first official ride through the tunnels of New Zealand’s $5.5B underground project. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

City Rail Link advances to final testing phase with officials taking first ride through Auckland’s new $5.5B underground rail system.
Photo: CRL

City Rail Link Progresses Through Final Commissioning Phase

Auckland’s City Rail Link reached a defining stage as top officials, including Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Mayor Wayne Brown, boarded a test train through the newly built tunnels.

Don’t miss…DB Loses Final Legal Battle Over Stuttgart 21 Project

They traveled from Maungawhau Station to Waitematā (Britomart), passing through Karanga-a-Hape and Te Waihorotiu stations. Officials observed the system under controlled conditions as part of the rigorous testing regime.

The $5.5 billion project, co-funded by the New Zealand Government and Auckland Council, is the country’s first underground rail system. CRL Ltd. CEO Patrick Brockie said this test marks both symbolic and technical progress.

More than 1,600 test runs have occurred since February. Heavy construction has finished, so the focus now shifts to certifying systems and safety across all stations and tunnels.

Brockie emphasized that this stage presents the most complex challenges. But by learning from international benchmarks, the team is determined to deliver reliable, high-frequency service for Auckland.

City Rail Link Drives Upgrades Across Auckland’s Rail Network

KiwiRail is racing to modernize the broader network in anticipation of increased services once the City Rail Link becomes operational in 2026.

According to KiwiRail CEO Peter Reidy, the company is compressing a decade of work into a three-to-four-year timeline. So far, the Pukekohe to Papakura electrification and Third Main Line have advanced significantly.

Other major upgrades include the Wiri to Quay Park corridor, Western Power Feed, and three new stations in southern Auckland. These improvements will boost capacity, resilience, and integration with CRL services.

Both agencies remain committed to completing testing and commissioning with precision. And by coordinating closely, they aim to deliver a safer, smarter, and faster transport solution for the growing population.

Source: www.railexpress.com.au

FAQ

What is the City Rail Link project in Auckland?

City Rail Link is New Zealand’s first underground railway system, designed to improve capacity and reduce travel times in Auckland’s urban transport network.

How much does the City Rail Link cost?

The total cost of the City Rail Link is $5.5 billion, funded jointly by the New Zealand Government and Auckland Council.

When will City Rail Link open to the public?

City Rail Link is expected to open in 2026 after all testing, commissioning, and safety certifications are completed.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Don’t miss…Construction begins on first section of Burgos–Vitoria HSR

Find the latest news of the railway industry in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the rest of the world on our page on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, read Railway Supply magazine online.

Place your ads on webportal and in Railway Supply magazine. Detailed information is in Railway Supply media kit