en.Wedoany.com Reported - The New South Wales government has commenced the Tangara train refurbishment project at the Cardiff maintenance center in Newcastle, with the first train already on site for work, aiming to extend service life by 10 to 15 years.
The first of 18 Tangara trains has entered the workshop at the Cardiff facility, where refurbishment work is currently underway. This refurbishment project will provide approximately 100 technical positions and 20 apprenticeship roles locally, while also helping to rebuild the workforce needed for the New South Wales government's long-term railway manufacturing plan.
The New South Wales government previously committed to building a new state-owned train manufacturing plant in the Hunter region, with plans to produce railway vehicles for at least 30 years. It is currently evaluating two potential sites: the Teralba and Broadmeadow locomotive depots. The proposed facility is expected to support up to 780 construction jobs and approximately 550 long-term positions in manufacturing and the supply chain sector.
The Tangara refurbishment project aims to ensure work continuity while accelerating the production of new trains. The existing AUD 447 million Tangara life extension program includes upgrades to interior panels, operating systems, passenger information displays, closed-circuit television, public address systems, and accessibility features (including emergency help points and emergency door release devices). Over the next three years, 55 eight-car Tangara trains will be refurbished at the Auburn, Flemington, and Cardiff facilities.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns stated that this project marks the beginning of rebuilding the state's train manufacturing capacity. Minns said: "The Hunter region has a long history of manufacturing trains that kept New South Wales running. Our task is to ensure it has the opportunity to do so again, not just for one project, but for generations to come."
New South Wales Transport Minister John Graham noted that the refurbishment project will help rebuild the region's skilled railway manufacturing workforce. Graham said: "The Hunter region has a rich history of train manufacturing, and as we bring train manufacturing back to where it belongs, this refurbishment work is an excellent way to expand the workforce."
