Decmil boosts order book to $540m

Perth-based Decmil Group has added $140 million to its order book after securing the works to upgrade a rail line in Victoria, as part of a consortium.

The VicConnect alliance, which also includes CIMIC Group subsidiary UGL and Arup, was contracted by Rail Projects Victoria to complete $300 million worth of upgrades to the Gippsland Line.

Decmil’s share of that contract brings the company’s order book to $540 million.

It marks Decmil's first major contract award for the year and follows $51 million in windfarm works secured by the company in November.

VicConnect was named as the preferred consortium to undertake the Gippsland works the following month, with early works on the project already completed.

The contracted works include duplicating track, upgrading level crossings and signaling, and adding second platforms at three train stations.

The project is due for completion in late 2022.

Decmil chief executive Dickie Dique said the contract was an important win for the business.

“We believe that the alliance with UGL and Arup to successfully deliver the Gippsland Line upgrade will mark the beginning of a long and fruitful association,” he said.

“We’re pleased to include VicConnect as part of our growing portfolio of strategic alliances.”

The Gippsland Line upgrade forms part of the Victorian government’s $4 billion Regional Rail Revival program, which involves upgrading every regional rail line in the state.