In western Sydney, a brand new underground railway is quietly extending. From Parramatta to the center of Sydney, in the 24 kilometer tunnel, the tunneling machine works day and night, laying the groundwork for the future transportation of this international metropolis. And this highly anticipated Sydney Metro West line has now welcomed a "new steward" - Metro Trains West, a joint venture between MTR Corporation Limited (MTR) and a subsidiary of China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation Limited.

Strong collaboration, secured a large order of 3.96 billion Australian dollars

On January 5, 2026, MTR Corporation officially announced that its joint venture with China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation, Metro Trains West, has successfully won the core contract for "trains, systems, operations, and maintenance" of the Sydney Metro West Line project in New South Wales, Australia, with a total contract value of approximately AUD 3.96 billion. According to the contract, the joint venture company will be responsible for providing 16 new generation fully automated unmanned subway trains and related systems, as well as undertaking system integration, testing and debugging, and providing operation and maintenance services for up to 15 years after opening.

Deng Zhihui, Director of Property and International Business of MTR Corporation, stated that as a leading global railway operator, MTR has rich experience in railway construction and professional operation. This collaboration with CRRC, leveraging its technological advantages as a globally renowned rail vehicle supplier, will provide world-class systems and operational solutions for the Sydney Metro West Line, connecting new communities through railways and driving the city forward.

Wang Feng, Vice President of CRRC, emphasized that CRRC has participated in iconic projects such as the Melbourne Metro and Sydney double decker buses. The company will leverage its technology and experience in building world leading unmanned subway systems in mainland China and overseas to create an advanced railway system for Sydney. With close cooperation with MTR, we are confident in successfully delivering the project and exceeding expectations from all parties involved.

24 kilometer underground new line, changing Sydney travel by 2032

The Sydney Metro West Line is a brand new underground railway line with a total length of 24 kilometers and 9 stations, connecting the main commercial and residential town of Parramatta in western Sydney with the city center. It is planned to be put into service in 2032. The infrastructure of the line is the responsibility of the New South Wales government, while the joint venture company is responsible for a series of work during the delivery phase, including providing a new generation of unmanned subway trains, signal systems, communication and control systems, as well as system integration, testing and debugging, and is responsible for the operation and maintenance after the opening of the line.

After the completion of this line, it will double the transportation capacity between Parramatta and Sydney city center, significantly shorten commuting time between the two places, alleviate the pressure on the existing T1 urban rail line, and provide more convenient and efficient travel options for residents in western Sydney.

MTR deeply cultivates Sydney, with the support of M1 line operation experience

MTR Corporation is rooted in Hong Kong and faces the international community, with rich operational experience in Sydney. In 2019, its subsidiary Metro Trains Sydney (MTS) began operating the Sydney Metro Northwest Line, which is 36 kilometers long and has 13 stations. In August 2024, the 15.5-kilometer extension (sea crossing section) across Sydney Harbour was successfully opened, and MTS operated lines increased to a total of 51.5 kilometers, including the original Northwest Line. At the same time, the Sydney Metro Northwest Line was officially renamed as the M1 Metro Northwest and Bankstown Line.

MTR participated in the delivery of the public-private partnership project for the Sydney Metro Northwest Line as a member and delivery partner by joining the Northwest Rapid Transit (NRT) consortium. The relevant contract was extended to the core part of the new train and railway system of the extension line (Sydney City and Southwest Line) covering the central business district at the end of 2019, and responsible for related operations and maintenance until 2034.

The winning bid for the Sydney Metro West Line project is another important layout of MTR in the Sydney rail transit market, and also another landmark achievement of Chinese rail transit enterprises' "going global". Keywords: international news, engineering construction news, railway construction

From Hong Kong to Sydney, from the northwest line to the west line, the cooperation between MTR and CRRC China continues to deepen. The implementation of the Sydney Metro West Line project will not only change the way residents in western Sydney travel, but also provide new samples for China's rail transit technology and services to go global. In 2032, when the first unmanned train enters Parramatta Station, this new subway line with deep participation from Chinese companies will become an important engine for the development of Sydney city.Editor/Yang Meiling