Alstom Powers New Zealand’s Railway Digital Future with Iconis TMS Rollout

New Zealand’s rail network just hit digital warp speed. With Alstom’s cutting-edge Iconis TMS now live, KiwiRail is entering a new era of smart mobility—faster, safer, and future-ready.

The Iconis TMS is an integrated control and operational rail system which will be operated by KiwiRail out of two key control centres in Wellington and Auckland – eventually to manage the whole country. The system, which was activated on Saturday, May 3, on the Pilot Wairarapa line, will, through several rollout phases, enable KiwiRail to access a range of real-time data on the operations of its rail network.

The system delivers an increase in network resilience and capacity, and more reliable and early communication for passengers on train operations. It features transformational improvements to signaling operations and enhanced real-time information for passengers. Additional benefits include predicting potential issues from network traffic to control staff, with the system providing solutions to overcome these problems.

It enables a high level of network automation and, ultimately, a more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective railway network, with existing manual operations replaced by a fully integrated and digitised system.

Alstom's Global Standard Reaches New Zealand

"Our technology represents a new digital age for the New Zealand rail network, with KiwiRail joining more than 30 countries across the world who are operating our gold standard proven technology," said Pascal Dupond, Alstom Australia and New Zealand Managing Director. "It is a textbook example of close partnership between Alstom and KiwiRail, with a shared focus to deliver the best possible system for New Zealand rail passengers."

The first phase deployment on the Wairarapa Line now allows KiwiRail to extend the rollout to the next regions of the country using a phased approach. Alstom will provide long-term support, training, and maintenance for each phase to ensure a successful technology transfer.

"Alstom’s technology delivers future proofing of the New Zealand railway network to allow us to support network growth and increased passenger numbers," said KiwiRail Project Director Carl Mills. "The partnership with Alstom has been a success because it is based on mutual trust and a shared desire to deliver in the best possible way."

Alstom’s Iconis—now known as Onvia Vision—powers over 70 mainline control centres across more than 20 countries. The system significantly reduces train delays by 10%-30% and achieves up to 20% energy savings through optimised scheduling and efficient timetabling.

Source: Alstom Press Release