Innovation and safety aren’t just part of the job – they’re the driving force behind everything we deliver at UGL and CPB Contractors. We’re proud to be delivering a series of Australian-first safety features as part of our work on the Sydney Metro.
Innovative driverless operations
Australia’s first driverless metro rail line, the Sydney Metro Northwest project, set new benchmarks in innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. To support this shift, UGL and its partners introduced six-car electric multiple unit (EMU) trains — expandable to eight — delivering energy, capital, and operational savings without compromising service. A safety case for driverless operations was developed in close collaboration with national regulators. The project also features rooftop solar arrays at the maintenance depot with public displays of daily energy generation, and the first Australian use of a cast-in sleeper system to optimise performance and reduce long-term costs.
Safety-First with cutting-edge technology
In a national first, UGL completed 100% design verification for the Corridor Intrusion Detection System (CIDS) and Obstacle Detection System (ODS) – crucial safety innovations for the Sydenham to Bankstown stretch of the Sydney Metro. These systems are designed to automatically detect any intrusions or obstacles in the rail corridor, ensuring uninterrupted, safe operations as the line transitions to Unattended Train Operations (UTO).
Utilising optical fibre sensing technology backed by real-time CCTV verification, the system empowers operators to respond immediately to potential threats. This world-class setup sets a new benchmark for Australian rail safety.
We are proud to have recently been announced as finalists for the Australasian Railway Association’s 2025 Rail Industry Awards for our CIDS and ODS innovations! Winners will be announced September 2025.
Smarter stations with safer boarding
Keeping passengers safe extends to the platforms too. UGL installed state-of-the-art Platform Screen Doors – precision-aligned with train doors to open only when trains are at a complete stop. Designed and manufactured by Hyundai Movex, these doors reduce the risk of accidents and prevent access to tracks, a significant leap in safety for Australian commuters.
We also embedded mechanical gap fillers also designed and manufactured by Hyundai Movex – automatic devices that extend to bridge the space between the train and platform. This solution ensures safe boarding, especially at older stations where curved platforms can pose a greater risk.
As Sydney Metro transforms the way our cities move, UGL continues to lead from the front – delivering complex, integrated solutions that keep communities connected and safe. We’re proud to be setting the standard for the future of Australian transport.
UGL and CPB Contractors, both part of the CIMIC Group, are instrumental in delivering the Linewide works for the Sydney Metro City & Southwest project. Additionally, UGL is a member of the Northwest Rapid Transit Consortium, working alongside CIMIC’s Pacific Partnerships, CPB Contractors and EIC Activities to deliver and now operate and maintain the Metro North West Line through Metro Trains Sydney (MTS). MTS is also operating and maintaining the Sydney Metro City section which opened in 2024.