Hitachi Rail, MTR, CRRC Win Sydney Metro West Contracts

Hitachi Rail, MTR, and CRRC secure key contracts for Sydney Metro West, a 24km underground line, boosting rail capacity with a 2032 target opening.

Hitachi Rail, MTR, CRRC Win Sydney Metro West Contracts
January 28, 2026 3:39 pm
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🛑 Key Takeaways:
  • Multiple contracts awarded for Sydney’s 24km Metro West line, finalizing key suppliers for construction, systems, rolling stock, and operations.
  • Hitachi Rail will provide core operational technology as a subcontractor to the Metro Trains West consortium (MTR Corp. & CRRC Corp.), which also holds a 15-year operations and maintenance contract.
  • The project aims to double rail capacity between Parramatta and Sydney’s CBD, with a target opening date of 2032, locking in a major infrastructure pipeline for the next decade.

SYDNEY/AUSTRALIA – Hitachi Rail confirmed on January 28 its selection to provide core operational and communications systems for the Sydney Metro West project. The announcement follows the awarding of four major contracts in December 2025 that assigned construction, rolling stock, and operational roles to consortia including MTR Corporation, CRRC Corporation, John Holland, Gamuda, and Lendlease for the new 24km underground line.

CategorySpecification / Detail
ProjectSydney Metro West
Line Length24 km (underground)
Key ContractorsHitachi Rail, John Holland, Gamuda, Metro Trains West (MTR, CRRC), Metropolis (Lendlease, Mirvac, Coombes)
Rolling Stock16 metro trains equipped with AI-based technologies
Operations Contract15-year term for maintenance and network operation
Target Public Opening2032

Operational & Technical Details

Hitachi Rail will deliver centralized operations control platforms and integrated communications technologies. The systems are an expansion of technologies deployed on Sydney’s Metro Northwest, City, and Southwest lines. The company is a subcontractor to the Metro Trains West consortium, which is responsible for delivering 16 automated metro trains and managing the line for 15 years after its 2032 opening.

Major civils and infrastructure work is divided. John Holland will build approximately 60 km of track and a train maintenance facility. Gamuda is tasked with designing and constructing five new underground stations on the line’s western section. The Metropolis consortium will develop the major Hunter Street Station in the CBD, with main works starting in late 2026.

📅 Originally Published: December 2025
For context on this project’s history, check out the groundbreaking wireless freight “virtual convoy” test.

➤ Read More: China Shenhua Pioneers Wireless Freight “Virtual Convoy” for Efficiency Gains

Market Impact Analysis

These contract awards solidify the supply chain for one of Australia’s largest public transport programs. Hitachi Rail’s role reinforces its incumbent position as a key technology provider in the Australian rail market. The project’s reliance on a mix of international firms like MTR Corp. (Hong Kong) and CRRC Corp. (China) alongside domestic giants such as John Holland and Lendlease highlights the global-local partnership model required for complex infrastructure delivery.

The awards signal sustained, high-value investment in New South Wales infrastructure. This trend is also seen in adjacent sectors, with Sandvik recently securing a $46 million order for underground mining equipment in the same state, indicating robust capital expenditure across multiple industries.


FAQ: Quick Facts

What is the scope of the main contracts?

The contracts cover the construction of a 24km underground line, five stations, rail infrastructure, the supply of 16 trains, and a 15-year operations and maintenance agreement.

When is the expected completion date?

The Sydney Metro West line is scheduled to become operational and open to the public in 2032.