Papakura to Pukekohe electrification
South Auckland, in particular Papakura through to Pukekohe, is expected to become home to an additional 120,000 people and provide another 38,000 jobs during the next three decades. Electrifying the network in this area will make enable people to travel around the region more easily on public transport.
KiwiRail, Supporting Growth and Auckland Transport held on-line sessions to share our plans for extending electric train service and planned new stations on Thursday 18 and Saturday 20 February. A video of KiwiRail's session can be watched here: KiwiRail's presentation and an overview of questions and answers are available here. For the Supporting growth presentation visit here.
Please reach out to us directly to share your views on the planned electrification of the rail network between Papakura and Pukekohe by emailing us at contactus@kiwirail.co.nz or calling us on 0800 070801 (extn 43042).
Funding of $371 million for this was received as part of the Government’s New Zealand Upgrade Programme.
New overhead masts will be built along 19km of track between Papakura and Pukekohe to power electric trains for commuters
Preparatory work on the project began late in 2020. Work includes:
Extending the overhead power system from Papakura to Pukekohe
Masts carrying overhead wires to power the trains will be built alongside the tracks on existing rail land. These will be very similar in design to those already in place north of Papakura.
A new power line will be built from Transpower’s Drury substation to join the rail network so there is electricity for the trains.
Existing track and signaling upgrades
New signaling will be installed to improve safety and ensure compatibility with the new overhead power system.
Track changes include layout improvements in key areas to allow more flexible train movements.
Redeveloping Pukekohe station to allow for more services and longer trains
KiwiRail is working closely with Auckland Transport to support its redevelopment plans around Pukekohe station. This will include improved passenger facilities (platforms and access).
We are also improving track to separate freight and passenger services, and as part of this will develop a new stabling facility for EMUs.
Future proofing the network
We are also working closely with the key stakeholders to enable three new future stations along the route and all works will be future proofed to allow for additional lines. These plans are being developed by the Southern Growth Alliance.
Electrification will extend South from Papakura station to Pukekohe.
Future proofing the network
We are also working closely with the key stakeholders to enable three new future stations along the route and all works will be future proofed to allow for additional lines. These plans are being developed by the Southern Growth Alliance.