Auckland’s rail network experienced significant disruption on Monday, February 2, 2026, after an electric passenger train was incorrectly routed onto a non-electrified section of track near Middlemore station. The incident, which occurred at approximately 10:30 am, resulted in damage to overhead lines and the train’s pantograph, stranding 24 passengers for roughly two hours and causing widespread delays across the Southern and Eastern lines.
Auckland Transport, KiwiRail and Auckland One Rail are jointly investigating the cause of the incident, which has been attributed to a “signalling-related issue.” According to Auckland Transport, the Manukau to Waitematā (Britomart) service was “incorrectly routed into a non-electrified area.” The damage sustained by the overhead lines and the train’s pantograph – the roof-mounted arm that connects the train to the power supply – necessitated a complete shutdown of power to the affected lines to ensure passenger safety during the evacuation process.
The immediate priority was the safe evacuation of the passengers. KiwiRail crews worked to isolate and earth all overhead lines in the vicinity of the stranded train before passengers could be safely removed. Two train managers remained onboard, providing updates and bottled water to those affected. Passengers were eventually escorted approximately several hundred meters down the rail corridor to the Middlemore station platform, where onward travel arrangements via taxi and bus were provided. The entire evacuation process took approximately two hours.
The disruption extended beyond the immediate impact on passengers. Eastern and Southern line services experienced significant cancellations throughout Monday afternoon and evening, leading to crowded conditions at stations like Penrose and Ōtāhuhu as commuters sought alternative transportation. Western line trains were also affected due to crew displacement. Services resumed at around 6:30 pm on Monday, though commuters were advised to expect ongoing delays and potential cancellations as the network recovered.
This incident comes shortly after a month-long period of maintenance and upgrade works on Auckland’s rail network, which concluded last week. KiwiRail had previously stated that ‘s network-wide shutdown would be the last of its kind, raising questions about the robustness of the signalling system and the effectiveness of recent infrastructure improvements.
The incident has prompted scrutiny of Auckland’s railway electrification project, which began in the late 2000s. The project, involving 196 single-track kilometres between Papakura, Newmarket, Britomart and Swanson, aimed to modernize the network with 25 kV 50 Hz AC electrification. While the project has delivered benefits, including the introduction of electric multiple units (EMUs) like the AM class, Monday’s incident highlights potential vulnerabilities in the system’s signalling infrastructure.
Waka Kotahi NZTA, the rail regulator, and the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) have been notified of the incident. TAIC is currently gathering information to determine whether a formal investigation will be launched. A spokesperson for TAIC stated that the commission is assessing the situation to decide if further inquiry is warranted.
The financial implications of the incident are currently unclear. While the cost of repairing the damaged overhead lines and pantograph has not been disclosed, the disruption to services will likely have a knock-on effect on Auckland’s economy. Delays and cancellations can lead to lost productivity for commuters and businesses, and the need for replacement bus services adds to transportation costs. The investigation’s findings will be crucial in determining the extent of the financial damage and identifying measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Auckland Transport is working with KiwiRail and Auckland One Rail to understand the root cause of the signalling failure and implement corrective actions. The focus will be on ensuring the reliability and safety of the signalling system to prevent future misrouting of trains and minimize disruption to passengers. The outcome of the joint investigation will be closely watched by commuters and stakeholders alike, as Auckland continues to invest in and develop its urban rail network.
