Dubbo XPT services towards Sydney are being replaced with bus services each way, as crews work to repair the State’s Main Western rail line after a major landslip last week caused extensive damage. 

The railway line is the latest victim as public transport services continue to be disrupted across the state as a result of continuing dangerous weather events. 

While Transport for NSW crews have begun restoring the rail line, the return of freight services will be prioritised over passenger services. 

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said restoring the damage will take up to six weeks. 

“I have been on the ground first hand to see the extraordinary damage caused by last week’s torrential rain and it’s immense - 40,000 tonnes of gabion rock will need to be imported to build up the embankment and slip,” Mr Farraway said. 

“My number one priority is to get the Main Western line opened as soon as it’s safe so that freight operations can commence, followed by passenger services,” he said. 

Freight services are projected to reopen in two weeks by opening the track some distance from the landslip. 



40,000 tonnes of rock will be used to build up the mountain. (Supplied)

“This option strikes the best compromise between keeping freight moving through that section of the track and restoring the line as soon as possible,” Mr Farraway said. 

Crews of about 70 people per shift are working night and day to accelerate repairs. 

The landslip on the Main Western line, which occurred late on Monday night halfway between Blackheath and Mount Victoria, caused the collapse of the embankment along a 20-metre stretch of track, creating a landslip more than 60 metres deep.

Timetables will be amended for travellers across the state, with various Blue Mountains destinations requiring a switch to bus services at some stages within the journey. 

Services from Broken Hill will operate as normal to Bathurst and then customers transfer to road coaches for the remainder of the journey to Sydney. 

Customers should anticipate amended timetables, allow plenty of extra travel time and plan ahead using the transport apps or visit Transport NSW.