The Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) has confirmed CIMIC Group company as the successful bidder for the operation and maintenance of rail infrastructure for its Country Regional Network (CRN) under a contract valued over AUD1.5 billion ($1.18 billion).

As per the 10-year contract, UGL will be providing network operations, which include setting up a new network control center in regional NSW, maintenance of rail infrastructure, and implementation of the Sigview signaling system.

UGL will also be responsible for asset and property management as well as for safety, access, performance, and environmental management.

Juan Santamaria – Group Executive Chairman and CEO of CIMIC said: “The Country Regional Network provides a reliable and sustainable rail network to safely transport passengers and goods across regional NSW. CIMIC and UGL are proud to support TfNSW to keep this essential service running across more than 2,300 kilometers of rail and we’re pleased to do so with a strong commitment to indigenous and regional employment.”

The Country Regional Network connects vast areas of regional NSW to interstate and metropolitan rail systems. It also provides services to customers transporting coal, grain, minerals, cotton, and containerized freight to domestic and export markets.

Doug Moss – Managing Director of UGL said: “This contract win solidifies UGL as the leading rail services company in Australia, by building on our extensive work across the NSW rail network and complementing the rail projects we manage in all other states and territories.

“We look forward to working with TfNSW on the safe and successful transition of the Country Regional Network contract over the coming months.”

TfNSW had previously awarded the 10-year operation and maintenance contract of the Country Regional Network to John Holland Rail in January 2012.

UGL will begin mobilization in early 2021 and will begin operations in January 2022.

  Australia, CIMIC Group, Country Regional Network, Doug Moss, John Holland Rail, Juan Santamaria, New South Wales, NSW, TfNSW, Transport for New South Wales, UGL