Hitachi Rail will expand the deployment of the ETCS Level 2 system in southeastern Queensland, Australia, on the Gold Coast line between Kuraby and Beenleigh stations. The project is part of the digital modernization of over 200 km of passenger rail corridors in a region preparing for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Hitachi Rail is expanding the deployment of the European Train Control System Level 2 (ETCS L2) on the rail network in southeastern Queensland, Australia.
The company is working with the Queensland Transport Authority and Queensland Rail, the regional rail operator, to install the new digital signaling system between Kuraby and Beenleigh stations on the Gold Coast line.
This section is part of the transportation corridor between Brisbane and Gold Coast, one of the most important transportation routes in the South East Queensland region. The line connects communities, business districts, and urban centers in a rapidly growing region.
Over 200 km of modernized lines
Hitachi Rail is one of the key partners in the digital transformation program for the South East Queensland rail network. In total, over 200 km of passenger rail corridors are being modernized with digital signaling systems.
“The expansion of the project reinforces Hitachi Rail’s major role in delivering ETCS Level 2 on key sections of the South East Queensland rail network to support the region’s development for generations to come,” said Sarfaraz Samnakay, Managing Director of Hitachi Rail Australia and New Zealand.
The company has already installed ETCS L2 on the Shorncliffe line, north of Brisbane. There, the system is being used for testing and for training Queensland Rail staff. This is the final step before the new digital signaling can be introduced into passenger service on the Shorncliffe line.
Work is also underway in southern Brisbane, as well as between the Beenleigh and Varsity Lakes stations, also on the corridor to the Gold Coast.
ETCS, Traffic Management, and Safety During Construction
ETCS L2 is a train control and protection technology that enables digital traffic monitoring and can help increase network capacity, safety, and reliability.
In Queensland, the implementation of ETCS is complemented by other digital systems. Hitachi Rail is developing a new traffic management system for the entire South East Queensland network. The company is also introducing a track closure management system for construction work, designed to increase safety on construction sites and improve maintenance teams’ access to infrastructure.
“The Hitachi Rail team responsible for delivering ETCS in Queensland brings together leading industry experts, combining strong local capabilities with global specialists in digital signaling, telecommunications, and train control systems,” said Sarfaraz Samnakay.
He added that ETCS Level 2, the traffic management system, and the track work management system will form the “backbone” of the future digital railway in Southeast Queensland.
Preparations for Brisbane 2032
The modernization of the rail network is taking place at a crucial time for Queensland. The region is preparing for increased passenger traffic and for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, an event that will place additional strain on public transportation.
Digital signaling is presented as an essential prerequisite for introducing more frequent, reliable, and sustainable rail services.
Hitachi Rail states that it has over 20 years of experience in ETCS and digital signaling projects, with implementations in the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, China, India, and Australia.
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