The Papakura to Pukekohe rail electrification project will extend the electric train network approximately 20 kilometres south from Papakura to Pukekohe. Currently Auckland's electric rail network terminates at Papakura, where commuters transfer to diesel trains to reach Pukekohe. The project will also upgrade existing track, signals, level crossings and redevelop Pukekohe Station.
There will be three key changes on the network between Papakura and Pukekohe:
- Extending the overhead power system from Papakura to Pukekohe
- Upgrading existing track, signals and level crossings, and
- Redeveloping Pukekohe Station.
The project is listed as a Rail Development Programme Priority to be completed in the next decade in the Auckland Transport Alignment Project's (ATAP) Recommended Strategic Approach report, released in September 2016.
Key Dates
| Feb 2020 | EOIs Open |
| Mar 2020 | EOIs Close |
| Aug 2020 | Contract Award |
| 2021 | Construction Commencement |
| Jan 2025 | Expected Construction Completion |
Funding contributions
| NZ Government |
Procurement
| Procuring Agency: | KiwiRail |
| Successful Tenderer: | eTRACS – a consortium comprising McConnell Dowell and John Holland |
PROJECT HISTORY
| 2012 | Auckland Transport's 2012 report into extending the electrification of Auckland rail network indicated the Benefit Cost Ratio of electrifying the line between Papakura and Pukekohe to be 0.9 at a cost of NZ$94.3 million. The report provides an indicative time frame of completion between 2021 to 2040. |
| 2017 | In the lead up to the 2017 NZ Election, the Government and opposition party both committed to the project. |
| Apr 2018 | The Auckland Transport Alignment Project (ATAP) report notes the project is a recommended transport investment priority in the 2018-2028 decade. |
| Jan 2020 | The New Zealand Government announced NZ$371 million in funding for the project as part of the $12 billion New Zealand Upgrade Program. |
| Jun 2020 | The New Zealand Government announced the project's resource consenting process will be fast-tracked as part of the COVID-19 Recovery Bill, which reduces consenting time to 45 to 70 working days. |
| Aug 2020 | The New Zealand Government, through KiwiRail, awarded the contract for the project to eTRACS – a consortium comprising McConnell Dowell and John Holland. |
| Dec 2020 | Enabling works construction commenced. |
| Mar 2021 | The 2021-31 investment package of the Auckland Transport Alignment Project (ATAP) included Papakura to Pukekohe Rail Electrification as a fully funded commitment. |
| Jul 2021 | Resource consents for the project’s main works have been approved by by an independent panel via the New Zealand Government's COVID-19 fast-track legislation ahead of main works commencing later in the year. |
| Jul 2022 | KiwiRail issued a Request for Tenders for the Pukekohe Station Works, as part of the Papakura to Pukekohe Electrification Program, closing on 19 August. |
| Mar 2025 | Kiwirail announced the expected completion date for the project had been delayed from December 2024 to January 2025. |
Estimated Total Cost
(2021)
Sector
Rail
Procurement approach
Unconfirmed |
Location
New Zealand |
Resources
