Interoperable digital signalling – a national infrastructure priority
Advancing interoperability on major interstate rail freight and passenger corridors has been identified as a top national infrastructure priority on the 2026 Infrastructure Priority List (IPL)
The IPL is Infrastructure Australia’s independent, evidence-based advice to the Australian Government on the highest-priority proposals that should be considered for investment over the next 10 years.
Each proposal on the IPL aligns with one of five investment priorities, including high productivity freight networks. Its focus in this area identifies the national rollout of interoperable digital signalling and train control technology across the National Network for Interoperability (NNI) as a critical investment opportunity over the next two to four years.
This includes work already underway through the National Rail Action Plan (NRAP) to help coordinate the rollout of both trackside and onboard digital signalling technologies; develop a national strategy for sequencing the rollout; support rolling stock fitment; and establish coordinated governance arrangements.
The IPL recognises the important role improved rail performance will play in meeting Australia’s growing freight demand and supporting decarbonisation goals. It highlights the potential to:
• boost productivity and improve supply chain efficiency
• move more freight from road to rail, helping reduce emissions, improve safety and lessen the impact of heavy vehicles on road networks
• increase the capacity and resilience of the rail network, supporting growth in both freight and passenger services.
Consultation on changes to Rail Safety National Law
Achieving interoperability and strengthened governance across Australia’s rail networks will require changes to Rail Safety National Law (RSNL).
This month, we’ve been engaging with stakeholders across the rail sector to discuss 12 proposed legislative changes recommended in the 2024 RSNL Review. These changes are designed to improve transparency and embed interoperability as a principle in the law. The proposed reforms are outlined in a Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement (C-RIS), released in February, which presents three broad options for implementation.
Since its release, we’ve contacted more than 60 organisations and met with stakeholders across government, industry, associations, project delivery authorities and unions to gather feedback.
Early engagement shows strong interest in progressing interoperability reforms and strengthening information sharing and consultation requirements.
To learn more, you can access the C-RIS and make a submission here.
A video explaining the proposed reforms and approaches can be found here.
For more information contact us at nrap-secretariat@ntc.gov.au
A staged approach to rolling stock approvals reform
Another key element of the NRAP program is working with governments and industry to streamline the rolling stock approvals process, making it easier to get new trains on tracks.
Infrastructure and Transport ministers have endorsed a National Pathway to better coordinate and align existing rolling stock approval reform initiatives. The Pathway adopts a staged approach starting small before scaling up nationally.
Stage 1 includes:
• developing written safety assurance guidance
• identifying common interface standards to be harmonised
• working with a core group of Rail Infrastructure Managers (RIMs) on developing a single application form for freight to streamline rolling stock approvals.
The NTC has expedited the preparation of draft safety assurance guidance to clarify roles and responsibilities of RIMs and Rolling Stock Operators (RSOs) in the certification and registration steps of the approval process. The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) is leading the final stage of this project and intends to consult on the guidance in 2026.
The NTC is also leading the development of a single application form for freight wagons through a Technical Working Group (TWG). The core group includes Transport for New South Wales, ARTC, Arc Infrastructure, UGL Regional Linx, some above rail operators Pacific National, Qube, ARISO and ONRSR and Queensland Rail as observers.
The NTC would like to thank the contributions of the TWG to date and for the progress being made on this important reform. Lessons from developing the application form for freight wagons will ultimately inform the development of a broader national application.
Stage 2 of the pathway involves working with all RIMs and widens the focus to include passenger and rail maintenance vehicles where applicable. Stage 3 will build on the key lessons learnt from stages 1 and 2 leading to a mandated rolling stock approval process standard, developed with industry, RIM and RSO input. This standard will ensure a common approach is followed for rolling stock approvals.
Exploring Human Factors in Rail Innovation
New and emerging technologies are transforming the way rail operates. Through NRAP, we’re working with governments and industry to coordinate the rollout of digital signalling and communications systems, helping make rail safer, more efficient, and better equipped to meet Australia’s growing transport needs.
As this work progresses and more connected systems unlock further innovation, it’s essential that new technologies are designed with rail workers in mind, supporting their capabilities, needs and day-to-day workflows.
To explore this further, the Australian Rail Industry Standards Organisation (ARISO) is hosting a forum next month focused on user-centred design and the role of human factors in shaping emerging rail technologies.
You can find out more and register for the Rail Human Factors Forum here.