Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 extension gets $3b NSW OK

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 extension has been approved, with the NSW Government giving the green light to inject $3 billion into the project in Sydney’s west, as outlined in an NSW Government ministerial release.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Construction will begin in early 2027 on a new 10-kilometre track linking Camellia, Rydalmere, Ermington, Melrose Park, Wentworth Point and Olympic Park over 14 light rail stops. More detail on Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 is set out on the official NSW Government Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 project page.

Project scope and route

NSW Premier Chris Minns said on Friday the plan will open up more than 2,000 construction and other jobs. He said it was a long-awaited public transport link that had been promised repeatedly by the former government but never delivered. “We’re not in the practice of doing the same,” Minns said.

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He added that, when combined with a world-class metro that’s due to come online in 2032, people in Parramatta and Western Sydney will have more choice when it comes to moving about the city.

Main Works will deliver 4.5 kilometres of track, a new bridge linking Camellia and Rydalmere, nine new stops, an expanded Stabling and Maintenance Facility, and additional light rail vehicles.

Funding and current patronage

The funding to date of $3 billion will see Stage 2 link to the existing Parramatta Light Rail system, which carries about 90,000 passengers per week. Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 extension has also been followed in industry coverage, including Railway Supply.

Stage 1 context and political response

The first stage, featuring 16 stops from Westmead to Parramatta and Carlingford, opened on December 20, 2024.

Minister for Transport John Graham said linking Parramatta to Sydney Olympic Park will provide a much-needed public transport link that was often promised under the former Liberal government but never delivered, despite rapid population and housing growth that has made this part of Sydney a fast-growing area.

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said the Parramatta Light Rail is a game-changer for jobs, leisure and the community. She said expanding the system to Sydney Olympic Park will be another game-changer for jobs and leisure and, importantly, will provide public transport to some areas that have never had it before.

Davis added that Parramatta Light Rail’s first year of operation has improved connectivity, giving local residents and visitors another transport alternative to jumping in the car.

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