Electric trains are an obvious way forward FEDERAL and state governments are beginning to take up the challenge of rail electrification. Depending on the power source, this can be a significant part of a government's carbon strategy, as an electric train is estimated to emit 20 to 35 per cent less carbon per passenger mile than a diesel locomotive. This is going to become a critical issue in the delivery of local transport networks. Electric trains have zero emissions at point of operation, which is significant when you consider urban air quality and pollution levels. Besides, electric lines have significantly lower running costs due to the trains being lighter and faster. In Australia and New Zealand, big electrification projects are under way, concentrating on urban passenger networks and freight lines. These include the Victorian government's $270 million Sunbury electrification project and the $400m electrification program for Adelaide's rail network. Under the South Australian project, about 100km of track will be electrified from Gawler to Seaford, and from Adelaide to Outer Harbour. The first electrified services are expected to run on the new Seaford rail line in 2013. In Victoria, the Sunbury project will see the electrification of 12km of line from Watergardens to Sunbury. As a member of the project alliance, O'Donnell Griffin is on track to deliver the new line for commencement of services in December this year. Sydney's $1 billion Novo Rail urban renewal works include electrification upgrades of the RailCorp NSW passenger network. Several new substations have been built, including West Ryde and the Art Gallery, and a series of upgrades to the overhead wiring on the Parramatta to Penrith, Bankstown, Strathfield; Hornsby to Woy Woy; and North Shore lines have been completed or are in progress. O'Donnell Griffin carried out most of these works on behalf of Novo Rail. KiwiRail is committed to electrification of its networks in Auckland and Wellington. The first passengers on the service from Paraparaumu to Waikanae in Wellington travelled on the line on February 20, after the project was completed two months ahead of schedule. Queensland Rail has led the way in electrification and already has approximately 1000km of electrified rail tracks. The social costs associated with air and noise pollution from diesel locomotives, and the lower long-term operating costs need to be analysed when making investment decisions regarding the electrification of a rail line. Peter Winder is executive general manager, rail, for O'Donnell Griffin Rail.