The Federal Government’s ARTC network investment totals $1.75 billion. It is aimed at improving the “productivity, resilience and reliability” of Australia’s freight rail networks. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Government Unlocks $1.75 Billion to Overhaul East Coast Freight Rail Corridors
Photo: ARTC. Government Unlocks $1.75 Billion to Overhaul East Coast Freight Rail Corridors

Separately, the government is establishing a $55 million program. The goal is more freight by train and cargo ship, according to a Federal Government media release.

The $1.75 billion will be allocated to the Network Investment Program. That builds on an earlier $1.04 billion government commitment. The commitment was to upgrade the Australian Rail Track Corporation’s network.

East Coast rail corridors to receive efficiency upgrades

The funding will support efficiency improvements on East Coast rail corridors. For example, planned upgrades include track renewal works, passing loop extensions, and signalling improvements. They are designed to remove speed restrictions and improve travel times. Also, they will enable longer trains and improve reliability and safety.

In addition, resilience upgrades will target high-risk flood areas. The focus includes the East-West corridor in particular. That freight artery has faced several multi-week closures over the past decade. The closures followed central Australian downpours.

TRACK pilot program targets freight movements

Meanwhile, TRACK is the government’s new $55 million Transport Resilience And Capacity Kickstart pilot program. It will support “more fuel-efficient freight movements” across Australia.

A government statement said the program is “especially relevant while the conflict in the Middle East continues to affect global fuel supply”.

In addition, a coordinator will be designated within ARTC. The coordinator will work with other rail infrastructure managers on improvements to rail operations.

Responding to the TRACK incentive scheme, she said in an ARA media release: “Moving more freight on rail reduces national diesel consumption at scale, easing pressure on the supply and lowering costs across the economy.

“In a constrained fuel environment, this investment strengthens energy security while improving the efficiency of key industries.”

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

Don’t miss…KTZ Floats $1 Billion Eurobond to Fund Massive Central Asian Rail Expansion