The South Australian Government visited Berlin to attend the InnoTrans 2024– International Trade Fair for Transport Technology, to discuss options to build the next generation of South Australia’s rail fleet using emerging and innovative technologies.
Tom Koutsantonis Infrastructure and Transport Minister visited the world’s largest trade fair for transport technology from the 24-27 September 2024, along with thousands of top Australian and international representatives from business, science and politics.
Visitors also included senior executives from major rail manufacturers and operators from some of the world’s biggest rail companies.
Koutsantonis attended as part of the Australasian Railway Association’s 160-strong delegation, along with Department for Infrastructure and Transport Chief Executive Officer Jon Whelan and South Australia’s Agent-General to London David Ridgway.
High-level meetings were held with a range of rail companies, including Alstom, Siemens, Keolis, ABB, Talgo, Downer, Mott MacDonald and Hyundai Rotem.
A key part of discussions focussed on the government’s priority to progress the rollout of battery electric trains more broadly in South Australia.
Battery electric trains have the potential to expand the existing rail network without the need to install expensive new overhead gantries and additional infrastructure – and without the necessity of closing lines.
An array of options to fast-track the replacement of the existing legacy fleet were presented, which will complement the announced planning study examining options for extending outer metropolitan and regional routes including the Seaford and Gawler lines and Adelaide to Mount Barker.
Koutsantonis said the government is impatient to roll out battery electric trains across the South Australian network.
“To understand how this can be done without expensive infrastructure costs and line closures,” he said.
“A series of positive, face-to-face meetings with senior executives from rail companies with whom South Australia has a fruitful track record has thrown up some exciting options to achieve this sooner rather than later.
“As the existing diesel fleet reaches end of life in the coming years, these options are not merely abstract ideas but realistic blueprints for South Australia’s rail future.”
