Rail construction activity in Australia is set to peak at $17.3 billion in 2025-26, before falling to $11.3 billion in 2031-32.
That’s according to new research from the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), setting out the rail procurement pipeline over the next 10 years.
The Australian Rail Procurement Pipeline Annual Report provides key insights into the rail industry’s forward pipeline, including new insights into how the rail procurement pipeline is changing and what this means for rail organisations across the supply chain.
It also provides an overview of procurement pipelines for major projects, rollingstock upgrades and maintenance, and a state-by-state breakdown of rail construction and maintenance activity over the next 10 years.
The report confirms rail construction activity has tripled in the last decade to support rising populations and economic growth, with $132 billion in rail construction and maintenance work recorded since 2014–15.
Maintenance is forecast to be a long-term driver of growth as network expansion, ageing infrastructure and climate events drive increased activity.
Caroline Wilkie, Chief Executive Officer of the ARA, said: “Ongoing investment in rail is essential to shaping Australia’s future.
“It supports the growth of our cities and regions, eases congestion, drives urban renewal, and contributes meaningfully to our net zero goals.
“The industry requires confidence that announced projects will be funded and delivered, as a more stable and predictable pipeline supports long-term planning, strengthen local capability, and ensure consistent, high-quality project delivery.”
