Kāpiti and Manawatū

Manawatū line upgrade

KiwiRail, Greater Wellington, and Horizons Regional Council are working together to introduce new trains and rail infrastructure to the Manawatū line.

From 2029 the number of services between Palmerston North and Wellington will increase from two to eight per day (week days), bringing our regions closer together, and offering more choice to commuters.

This project is part of the funding package announced by Government in July 2024.

The work involves:

• Construction of a stabling yard and charging stations in Palmerston North, improvements to passing loops in Tokomaru and Koputaroa, and upgrading the platform at Shannon Station. Design work is underway and work expected to begin from the end of 2027.

Building more substations

KiwiRail needs to upgrade some existing substations and build a new substation on the Kāpiti Line near Paekākāriki to power the increased services. In December 2024, the Minister for Transport announced a funding boost to deliver these upgrades.