New tilt wagon technology is set to reduce rail maintenance disruptions across the Sydney Trains network, with six new units preparing to enter service following testing and commissioning.

The wagons allow preassembled sections of track, known as turnouts, to be installed quickly and safely, avoiding the need for labour-intensive on-site construction. Each installation is expected to save between five and seven hours of service disruption.

The $15 million investment by the New South Wales Government expands Sydney Trains’ ageing fleet, which previously relied on just two tilt wagons more than 20 years old. The new technology has already been trialled during trackwork periods at Lidcombe and Medlow Bath.

New South Wales Minister for Transport, John Graham, said the technology would help improve network reliability.

“Tilt wagons allow us to do more work off-site and reduce the time services are impacted, meaning fewer disruptions for passengers,” Graham said.

The rollout forms part of a broader investment in rail maintenance, including upgrades to track, signalling and overhead wiring, aimed at improving reliability and reducing downtime across the network.