On Thursday 3 November the Rimutaka Incline Railway Heritage Trust lodged an application with Greater Wellington Regional Council to reconstruct the former railway line between Maymorn and Summit, located in the Pakuratahi Forest Park.

The application is a major milestone for the Trust, the culmination of ten years of investigation, planning and design work to breath life back into the Rimutaka Incline, which closed in October 1955. A comprehensive business plan and budget was submitted, along with an economic feasibility assessment earlier undertaken by BERL. Detailed plans included proposed facilities at Maymorn, Kaitoke and Summit, a connecting route at Maymorn, a 2km deviation to the south and east of Kaitoke and a new walkway for the length of the route.

The Trust, a licenced rail operator, is currently developing facilities at Maymorn on New Zealand Railway Corporation (KiwiRail) land, having secured a licence to occupy in 2005 and resource consent in 2008. A sizable engine shed has been built and railway line has been built through the station area.

The heritage railway is envisaged to be operating at least daily between Maymorn and Summit, attracting more than 40,000 domestic and international tourists per year. The heritage railway will connect with Tranz Metro Wairarapa Line services at Maymorn, as well as tour coach connection from Summit to the Wairarapa via State Highway 2. It would add to the variety of activities possible in the Pakuratahi Forest Park, including packages that might include both a heritage railway experience and walking/cycling — with enhanced visitor facilities along the route.

The Rimutaka Incline Railway offers the potential of an internationally significant tourist attraction for the Wellington region should the next stage be established — the Fell-worked incline between Summit and Cross Creek.

Additional approvals will be sought pending a decision from Greater Wellington Regional Council in mid-December.