Completion Commencement of Operations Location of Passenger Terminals Contacts Link to First Train Celebrations **NEW**

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Completion

The AustralAsia Railway has been under construction by ADrail, under a design and construct contract for Asia Pacific Transport (APT) and was practically completed on 31st October 2003.

Although the construction of the line was completed ahead of the contracted completion date of April 2004, commissioning processes and procedures need to be carried out to ensure the line is ready for commercial operations to commence. The commencement of operations is a milestone in the political, economic and social history of Australia.

Commencement of Operations

The AustralAsia Railway Project was predicated on the provision of a competitive freight service that will deliver benefits to all Australians and ensure the ongoing viability of the line. The commencement of FreightLink's commercial services will coincide with the official launch of the first FreightLink freight train to run from Adelaide on 15 January 2004, arriving in Darwin on 17 January. All inquiries in relation to freight services should be directed to FreightLink.

Great Southern Railway (GSR), the operator of 'The Ghan' have made arrangements with APT to access the AustralAsia Railway to extend their service to Darwin with the inaugural passenger service departing Adelaide on 1 February 2004, arriving in Darwin on 3 February. Regular scheduled services will commence the following week. GSR have released their timetable and fares structure for their inaugural and regular services to Darwin, all inquiries regarding passenger services should be directed to GSR.

Location of Passenger Terminals

Construction is well advanced on the Darwin passenger Terminal, adjacent to the Darwin Business Park, in the East Arm Development Area off Berrimah Road. The Berrimah terminal will be an interim facility that will support the initial start-up phase of a rail passenger service.

The NT Government will continue to review opportunities for a more permanent facility for the Darwin region as part of their transport policy development after extensive consultation with key stakeholders. Facilities are under construction in Tennant Creek and Katherine in the vicinity of the former sleeper factories. Whilst the prime business of the railway is transporting freight, the addition of a passenger service is welcome, however the appropriate level of facility to be provided is dependent on the frequency of service.

View images of terminal locations (pdf files) Darwin, Katherine, and Tennant Creek on our website.

Contact Details