South East Queensland digital rail program expands
Hitachi Rail will extend digital signalling between Kuraby and Beenleigh as part of South East Queensland upgrades.
What’s happening?
Hitachi Rail will extend its digital signalling rollout between Kuraby and Beenleigh stations on the Gold Coast line. The company announced the project in Brisbane on 9 July 2026.
The project involves Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads and Queensland Rail. Together, they will introduce the European Train Control System Level 2 (ETCS L2) along this section.
The Kuraby to Beenleigh route forms an important part of the Brisbane to Gold Coast transport corridor. It connects local communities, businesses and passengers across one of South East Queensland’s main growth areas.
The project builds on signalling work already underway across Brisbane and the wider Gold Coast line.
Why it matters?
Digital signalling gives rail operators more accurate information about train locations and movements. This supports more frequent and reliable services while making better use of existing rail infrastructure.
South East Queensland continues to experience population growth, placing greater pressure on its passenger rail network. Improving the signalling system will help the network manage growing demand over the coming years.
The program will also support preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Rail services will play an important role in moving residents and visitors throughout the region.
Local Impact
The Kuraby to Beenleigh section connects Brisbane’s southern suburbs with communities along the northern Gold Coast corridor. Upgrading this route will support more dependable services between two of South East Queensland’s main population centres.
Work is also progressing between Beenleigh and Varsity Lakes, extending the program further along the Gold Coast line. Construction and installation continue across Brisbane’s south side as part of the wider rollout.
Sarfaraz Samnakay, Hitachi Rail’s managing director for Australia and New Zealand, said the extension would support long-term regional growth.
“The extension of works expands Hitachi Rail’s major role in delivering ETCS Level 2 to key parts of the SEQ rail network to support the region’s growth for generations to come.”
By the Numbers
More than 200 kilometres of important passenger rail corridors are receiving digital signalling upgrades across South East Queensland.
Hitachi Rail has more than 20 years of ETCS experience across Australia, Europe, Britain, China and India.
Brisbane will host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032, increasing the importance of dependable transport across the region.
Zoom In
Hitachi Rail has already installed ETCS Level 2 along Brisbane’s Shorncliffe line. Queensland Rail staff are now testing the system and completing operational training.
This is the final phase before the digital signalling system begins operating on passenger services along the Shorncliffe line.
Hitachi Rail is also developing a Traffic Management System for the entire South East Queensland network. A separate Possession Management System will improve track safety and coordinate maintenance access.
Samnakay said the Queensland team combines local experience with international knowledge across signalling, telecommunications and train control.
“Hitachi Rail’s ETCS delivery team in Queensland brings together the industry’s leading experts, combining strong local capabilities with global specialists in digital signalling, telecommunications and train control systems.
We are also developing a new Traffic Management System for the entire South East Queensland network and introducing a Possession Management System to enhance track safety and improve network access for maintenance crews. These integrated systems, together with ETCS L2, form part of the backbone of SEQ’s future digital railway.”
Zoom Out
Hitachi Rail has more than 20 years of ETCS experience, with projects delivered across Australia, Britain, Europe, China and India.
The company employs 24,000 people across more than 50 countries and records annual turnover above €7 billion. Its work covers rolling stock, digital signalling, train control, payment systems and rail maintenance.
What To Look For Next?
Testing and staff training will continue before digital signalling enters passenger service on the Shorncliffe line.
Construction and installation will also continue across Brisbane’s south side and between Beenleigh and Varsity Lakes. Work between Kuraby and Beenleigh will add another important section to the regional program.
Development will continue on the Traffic Management System and Possession Management System. Together, these systems will support train operations, maintenance access and track safety across South East Queensland.
More information is available through Hitachi and Hitachi Rail.