The NSW government has appointed the former leader of the Newcastle Light Rail project to now deliver the Parramatta Light Rail program.
Anand Thomas has been appointed as program director for the $2.4 billion Parramatta project. Thomas previously led the successful delivery of the Newcastle Light Rail line.
Thomas replaces Tim Poole. Poole, the program director for the Parramatta project since 2016, recently took a new role as chief operating officer for the Western City and Aerotropolis Authority.
“Anand has a proven background of delivering a light rail project on time and successfully,” a Transport for NSW spokesperson said.
“His experience will be a valuable asset for the project, which is at a critical juncture as it transitions from planning to building phase.”
Early works are underway on stage one of Parramatta Light Rail, which will link Westmead to Carlingford via Parramatta and Camellia. Major construction is scheduled to begin next year.
Services are expected to begin in 2023.
Thomas said he was delighted to be joining the Parramatta team. “This is an exciting project as we realise the vision of the 30-minute city in Western Sydney,” he said.