New Tilt Wagons Cut Hours Off Weekend Train Track Maintenance
Image: Supplied/NSW Government
Sydney’s hours-long weekend train track maintenance will soon be shortened by five to seven hours per maintenance job, with the addition of six new self-clamping tilt wagons. The $15 million fleet is currently being tested before it begins track maintenance.
The new wagons follow up on recommendations from the Independent Rail Review, which sparked maintenance upgrades after an overhead-wire failure that disrupted the rail network for two days in May 2025.
These wagon units come equipped to carry large pre-manufactured turnouts, which are the points at which trains change tracks, allowing them to be installed directly rather than constructed on-site.
Moreover, old timber sleepers are replaced with concrete turnouts. Currently, two tilt wagons have been in use for more than 20 years.
NSW train reliability efforts
The state government financed a $450 million maintenance project focusing on improving train reliability, which depends on its tracks, signals, overhead wiring, and drainage. The project began with maintenance-critical zones, such as the City Circle and the Homebush–Strathfield corridor.
The efforts of the NSW government can also be seen in the arrival of new train fleets, such as the new Mariyung trains, refurbished Tangara, and the $800 million Safe Accessible Transport program.
As part of the Safe Accessible Transport program, changes will be made at Lewisham Station, starting work in 2026. The plan includes four new lifts and drainage improvements to reduce flooding issues.
The NSW community can also expect accessible parking lots, kiss-and-ride spots on Thomas and Victoria streets, a family-accessible bathroom, hearing loops, and security advancements.
Tilt wagons’ shorter closures mean efficiency
The tilt wagons will lead to shorter track line closures across the 1,700-kilometre rail network. Sydney Trains anticipates a time savings of five to seven hours for every job. Track work is planned for five lines, including the T2 Inner West Line and the T8 Airport Line.
“Sydney Trains engineers are really excited about acquiring these modern tilt wagons,” said Chief Executive of Sydney Trains Matt Longland. “The new tilt wagons are both safer and quicker than their predecessors.
“This modernising and expansion of our track maintenance equipment will allow us to get more bang for our buck during each weekend track possession, while also ensuring our staff are safer on the work site.”
Transport Minister John Graham said the tilt wagons will give engineers more of a chance to get through the maintenance backlog with speed and efficiency.
“Our focus has been squarely on the maintenance improvements that can provide the reliability that train passengers rightly expect from their rail network,” he said.
