Alstom has been awarded the first €69m tranche of a €214m frame contract to deliver advanced digital signalling on Brisbane’s Sunshine Coast line, enhancing capacity, safety and reliability while accelerating Queensland’s transition to a digital rail network.
Alstom will deliver European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 digital signalling for Stage 1 of Queensland’s The Wave, including an integrated 5G digital radio system delivered by a nominated third party and integrated by Alstom. The project supports the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, supporting a more efficient and future-ready rail network, and will create local jobs and skills pathways, with apprenticeships, traineeships and investment in Queensland’s rail workforce through a new Centre of Excellence.
Alstom will design, supply, test and commission its globally proven ONVIA Control ETCS Level 2 trackside signalling system for Sector 1 North, along the new Sunshine Coast line, as part of a major network upgrade.
This contract forms part of Queensland’s broader ETCS Program, which will deliver a safer, more efficient and higher-capacity rail system. The program lays the foundation for the State’s sectorisation strategy, representing a significant step in preparing rail infrastructure for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Games.
“As Queensland prepares to host the 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Games, Alstom is proud to bring its global digital signalling leadership to support the transformation of the State’s rail network. This project brings together Alstom’s globally proven ETCS technology with our strong local presence in Queensland to support a safer, more efficient and future-ready transport system,” said Guillaume Tritter, Managing Director of Alstom Australia and New Zealand.
Ling Fang, Asia-Pacific Region President, added: “Alstom’s ETCS Level 2 system is a globally proven, interoperable platform deployed across thousands of kilometres of railway in more than 35 countries, enabling operators to maximise capacity, safety and network efficiency through continuous digital train control. Advanced versions of this technology are being delivered by Alstom across the region including in the Philippines and India.”
The Sector 1 North project is a critical investment in the future of rail transport across South East Queensland, enabling increased network capacity and improved reliability in one of the region’s busiest corridors. It will be deployed across brownfield and greenfield sections of The Wave and along the North Coast Line to the Sunshine Coast, requiring complex integration while maintaining uninterrupted passenger services.
The project will be delivered collaboratively for the Queensland Government by Alstom as the ETCS contractor, in partnership with Queensland Rail as the network operator and multiple civil contractors delivering infrastructure works. Strong partnership and interface management across civil and digital radio system partners will be essential to the project’s success.
Alstom’s ETCS Level 2 system is a mature radio-based platform successfully delivered across thousands of kilometres of railway in over 35 countries. The technology enables continuous train control, ensuring trains operate safely at the highest possible network efficiency.
Alstom’s strong local footprint in Australia will deliver a range of benefits to the State. This includes the establishment of the Queensland Mobility Supply Chain Centre of Excellence, expected to generate economic, social, education and environmental outcomes. The project will also support local job creation, underpinned by apprenticeships, traineeships, cadetships and local partnerships with Queensland schools and universities, helping to build local career pathways and future rail capability skills.
