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Work on $260 Million Wairarapa Rail Upgrade Delayed by Over a Year

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Work on the major $260 million Wairarapa rail upgrade has been pushed back by more than a year, KiwiRail has confirmed, dealing a setback to plans for modernising one of New Zealand’s key regional rail corridors.

The upgrade, part of a broader programme designed to prepare the line for new frequent hybrid electric trains, began in 2021 and was originally due to be completed late last year. However, infrastructure giant KiwiRail now says the works will run into early 2027.

Why the Delay?

According to KiwiRail’s chief metro and capital programme officer, David Gordon, the delay stems from a mix of technical and ground challenges, as well as changes to community planning outcomes:

  • Complex ground conditions in parts of the Wairarapa corridor made construction slower and more difficult than expected.
  • Shifting technology requirements meant additional work was needed to ensure the upgraded infrastructure could support the new trains.
  • Community engagement led to revisions of initial plans at several level crossings. Instead of closing seven crossings as originally proposed, 26 will now be upgraded and only four shut after consultation with local residents and councils.

Despite the delay, KiwiRail says the project remains within its original budget and expects the work to be finished before the new hybrid trains arrive.

Local Leaders Respond

Greater Wellington Regional Council chair Daran Ponter welcomed the transparency but said the council would seek a fuller explanation from KiwiRail about the timing. He noted that while the new hybrid trains are still several years away, it’s important to ensure the infrastructure is ready when they arrive.

Ponter also acknowledged that KiwiRail’s communication around project timelines could have been better, adding that council officials want assurance the line will be reliably prepared for future services.

What This Means for Wairarapa Commuters

Once complete, the rail upgrade is expected to:

  • Support new hybrid electric train services running from around 2029.
  • Improve infrastructure reliability across the Wairarapa Line.
  • Enhance safety at level crossings following community feedback and revised upgrade plans.

Although some commuters expressed frustration over ongoing works, officials say the extended timeline still leaves ample time before the new trains are introduced.

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