Hitachi Rail has commenced work on the next phase of European Train Control System deployment on the Brisbane–Gold Coast railway in Australia, according to Railway Gazette. The project is part of preparations for the region hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The company was previously selected by Queensland’s Department of Transport & Main Roads and Queensland Rail as a key delivery partner for upgrading the southeast Queensland rail network. More than 200 route-km is being equipped with digital signalling.

The latest milestone involves installing ETCS Level 2 on the 20 km Kuraby–Beenleigh section of the Gold Coast line. This single-track segment had become a bottleneck, shared by Brisbane–Beenleigh suburban services and faster inter-regional trains to and from the Gold Coast. It is currently being double-tracked as part of the Logan & Gold Coast Faster Rail project.

Hitachi Rail has already installed ETCS Level 2 on the Shorncliffe branch north of Brisbane, which served as the pilot route ahead of equipping the new Cross-River Rail Link. System testing has been underway on that branch for some time, and Queensland Rail staff are currently being trained before regular passenger services to and from Shorncliffe are cut over to digital train control.

Construction and installation work is also progressing on Brisbane’s south side suburban network and on the outer end of the Gold Coast line between Beenleigh and Varsity Lakes.

Sarfaraz Samnakay, Managing Director of Hitachi Rail Australia & New Zealand, said on July 9: ‘The extension of works expands Hitachi Rail’s major role in delivering ETCS Level 2 to key parts of the South East Queensland rail network to support the region’s growth for generations to come. We are also developing a new Traffic Management System for the entire SEQ network and introducing a Possession Management System to enhance track safety and improve network access for maintenance crews. Together with ETCS L2, these integrated systems form part of the backbone of SEQ’s future digital railway.’

The deployment of ETCS Level 2 across southeast Queensland is a significant step toward modernising the region’s rail infrastructure. The system enables continuous train supervision and cab signalling, improving safety and capacity. With the 2032 Olympics approaching, the upgrade aims to handle increased passenger demand and enhance service reliability.

The Kuraby–Beenleigh section is a critical link in the Gold Coast corridor. Its double-tracking and digital signalling will help alleviate congestion and allow for higher frequency services. The project aligns with broader efforts to create a seamless, high-capacity rail network for the region.

Hitachi Rail’s role extends beyond ETCS installation. The company is also developing a Traffic Management System for the entire SEQ network and a Possession Management System to improve track safety and maintenance access. These integrated systems are designed to work together, forming the digital backbone of the future railway.

The work on the Kuraby–Beenleigh section is expected to continue over the coming months, with further stages planned across the network. The completion of the ETCS rollout will position southeast Queensland as a leader in digital rail technology in Australia.