The rail corridor can be used to carry utility services. Gas pipes, water pipes, electricity cables and telecommunication cables may run along or across railway land, provided they meet KiwiRail’s property and engineering requirements.
KiwiRail manages access to the rail corridor through a permit system and ensures that all new utility installations are safe, compliant and correctly documented. This includes planning safe access, coordinating conditional approvals and recording the property rights for any new assets installed on railway land.
If you are a utility company or local authority wanting to install or maintain services within the rail corridor, a Grant Agreement must be in place. This grant provides the legal right to occupy railway land.
If you do not have a grant, you can apply by completing the Application for a Grant.
Click here to apply for a grant.
Please note that a Grant Agreement is separate from a Permit to Enter (PtE).
A PtE is required for any physical work activity inside the rail corridor.
Your proposed utility installation must comply with the following KiwiRail standards and design requirements:
Click below for additional information on applying for a grant, ongoing responsibilities and conditions for occupying railway land.