Introducing KiwiRail...
New maintenance fleet to improve NZ rail network
KiwiRail's new track maintenance fleet was commissioned today, part of a $25 million project to improve the efficiency and quality of New Zealand's rail track maintenance.
Speaking at the event, KiwiRail Chairman Jim Bolger said the fleet will maintain and renew the track to a higher standard than previously possible in New Zealand.
"If rail is to meet the demands of a modern freight network, then it needs the right tools of the trade to do so," Mr Bolger said.
"When people think about rail, they think about trains but often forget that trains need a network to run on. When track condition is poor this impacts on KiwiRail's ability to offer reliable, efficient and competitive services to its customers.
"As well as improving the condition of the track, the new fleet will improve the efficiency of track maintenance work, reducing the impact on freight movements."
The Ballast Cleaner Group fleet includes a ballast cleaner machine which screens ballast, recycling what can be re-used and disposing of waste. Material handling wagons allow the cleaner to operate efficiently by ensuring a continuous flow of new ballast in and reject material out. The other equipment helps restore the track to operational line speed following cleaning.Mr Bolger said that with freight volumes forecast to increase by 75 per cent over the next twenty years, KiwiRail was targeting investment to those lines which carry the heaviest freight volumes.
"Our aim is build capacity and reliability to meet customer demand. The busiest rail freight route is the ‘golden triangle' between Auckland and Tauranga so the Ballast Cleaner Group will spend its first year of operation in that area."
Ends
Issued by KiwiRail Contact: Ruth Larsen, KiwiRail, 021 804 906
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Rail services back in action following Canterbury Earthquake
KiwiRail is expecting to have rail services in the Christchurch area restored by Tuesday 7 September following repairs to damage cause by Saturday's earthquake.
Rail lines have been opened and services reintroduced progressively since Saturday with the emphasis on getting vital rail links to the north and south re-established so essential goods could be moved into the region.
All services were stopped following the early Saturday earthquake which measured 7.1 on the Richter scale, while staff checked track and bridges for damage.
Rail movements began on Saturday evening with a special service dispatched from Christchurch to Temuka to collect and bring back drinking water for the region.
Speed restrictions remain in place on parts of the network because of the risk posed by the on-going aftershocks.
Extra ferry and rail services will be run over the coming days to bring freight into Christchurch.
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