Digital Train Radio System

RailCorp has contracted UGL Infrastructure Pty Ltd to design, construct, commission and maintain a new Digital Train Radio System (DTRS) at about 250 locations within the rail corridor as well as more than 60 sites in tunnels throughout the electrified rail network.

Replacing the existing analogue train radio system with DTRS will fulfil recommendations from the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Waterfall train accident to provide a common platform of communication for staff working on the railway.

The DTRS will ensure that train drivers, train controllers, signallers and train guards on RailCorp's electrified network are able to communicate with each other using the same system with the same technology.

The project will involve installing new radio masts or, where possible, attaching DTRS equipment to existing infrastructure. Cabinets containing electrical and other equipment will also be installed.

The DTRS is based on the GSM-R standard now widely used by major rail operators in Europe and Asia. GSM-R systems are operational in countries including Norway, Holland, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Finland and Sweden and under development in countries including Great Britain, France, Austria and China. In Australia, this system is being installed on the Melbourne train network by the Victorian Government. With 372 kilometres of track, the Melbourne network is approximately one quarter the size of RailCorp's electrified network. Its digital train radio system comprises 69 sites that require new masts.

Work will begin between Waterfall and Sutherland to the south of Sydney.

More information about the DTRS project is in our frequently asked questions.

Community consultation

We are conducting a comprehensive program to ensure residents, businesses and other stakeholders close to proposed sites are fully informed about the scope of work involved and have an opportunity to provide their feedback.

Activities include meetings with local councils, authorities and community groups, letterbox drops and face-to-face consultation with nearby residents and businesses.

This website contains draft reviews of environmental factors (REFs) relevant to the DTRS sites. These documents contain detailed information about the type of work involved at each location, potential environmental and other impacts and mitigation strategies. The community is invited to review these documents and provide feedback about any aspect of the project.

This website will be updated as information about other sites becomes available and will also contain summary reports of feedback received and considered during the pre-construction consultation period as well as final determinations. Please use the links on this page to review the available material and submit your feedback.