201407 – Hillcoat & Clancy – Increasing Capacity in the Hunter Network – Streamlining Train Control

The Hunter Valley Rail Network is a mixed traffic rail network in New South Wales that is managed by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC). Since 2007, the Hunter Valley has seen significant growth in the demand for coal export via the port of Newcastle resulting in a significant increase in train services for coal transportation. Coal transport from pit to port has increased from 90MTPA to 150MTPA between 2007 and 2013. This growth has potential to increase to 200MTPA over the next several years, with notional prospective volumes currently indicating potential growth to 280MTPA. Non-coal traffic (passenger, freight services), which currently accounts for more than 50% of HV operations services, is also expected to grow.

This paper will discuss how ARTC plans to use technology, systems and process improvements in a
network control environment to address and manage issues and challenges associated with a growing,
evolving, dynamic mixed rail network like the Hunter Valley.