Kaikoura train freight is on the move after last month’s quake.

A joint operation, led by NCTIR alliance partners KiwiRail and NZTA, has enabled the successful removal of freight goods from service 737, the train that stopped in a tunnel north of Kaikoura on the morning of the 14 November earthquake. The goods are now being trucked to Kaikoura before being relocated to Christchurch.

KiwiRail Group General Manager of Network Services Todd Moyle says he is pleased to see the goods making their way down south ‘The removal of goods from the train is a result of our teams’ continued efforts to keep New Zealand moving.’

“KiwiRail and NZTA have been working extremely hard for over three weeks, assessing the condition of the rail and road infrastructure around Kaikoura, clearing slips and repairing damage.

“Last week KiwiRail staff made interim repairs to a bridge and completed an engineering assessment of a tunnel. This enabled the train to be moved last Friday to a location where the containers could be removed.

“Since the quake, KiwiRail has worked closely with NZ Police and Civil Defence and to secure the service’s freight. However the train remains in a remote and unpredictable location, between two very large slips.

“The train, minus its containers, will stay in its present location until the line is clear and it is safe for the service to continue on the rail track,” Mr Moyle says.

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