https://www.visualcapitalist.com/ranked-countries-with-the-most-high-speed-rail/
Compared to China, Australia has some serious catching up to do
Current situation: [AI Overview]
Australia's rail network spans over 31,000 kilometers and is historically fragmented, utilizing three main track gauges:
Standard (1,435 mm), Narrow (1,067 mm), and Broad (1,600 mm). While a continuous Standard gauge connects major mainland state capitals, individual states continue to operate on legacy networks.
[1, 2, 3]
- Standard Gauge (1,435 mm): Makes up about 55% of the network. It connects the mainland capital cities of Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth. The federal Australian Rail Track Corporation manages the primary interstate freight and passenger arteries. [1, 2, 3]
- Narrow Gauge (1,067 mm): Accounts for approximately 36% of tracks. It is primarily used for intrastate passenger and heavy-haul coal networks in Queensland and intrastate freight in Western Australia. The entirety of Tasmania's rail network also operates on a narrow gauge. [1, 2, 3]
- Broad Gauge (1,600 mm): Comprises around 8% of the network, heavily concentrated in Victoria for commuter and regional lines, though many have been converted to Standard gauge over time. [1, 2]
Network Breakdown by State & Territory
- Queensland: The network is almost exclusively Narrow gauge (~9,000+ km), optimized for rugged terrain and extensive coal and freight transport. [1]
- New South Wales: Largely Standard gauge, connecting seamlessly into the interstate network. [1, 2]
- Victoria: A mixed network of both Standard and Broad gauges across its regional and metropolitan lines. [1]
- Western Australia: A mix where Standard gauge runs the major Pilbara heavy-haul iron ore routes and the interstate line to the east, while Narrow gauge handles the southwest agricultural. [1]
- South Australia: Contains an operational mix of Broad and Standard gauges, with key freight corridors having been converted to Standard gauge. [1]
- Tasmania: Uses a 100% Narrow gauge network. [1]
- Northern Territory: The 1,700 km line connecting Adelaide to Darwin is fully Standard gauge. [1]
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Klaus Zillner
Senior Consultant
klauszillner@yahoo.comAustralia
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