Building rail in NSW 50-times more expensive than Victoria

COST estimates by the O'Farrell Government, 50 times more expensive than reinstating regional Victorian rail lines, are hampering the re-establishment of the Casino to Murwillumbah rail line, say the Greens.

NSW Greens transport spokeswoman Dr Mehreen Faruqi said high costs were preventing Northern NSW getting vital rail infrastructure reinstated.

"The O'Farrell Government has estimated the cost of reinstating the 130km Casino to Murwillumbah line at $900 million," she said.

"That's more than $6.5 million per kilometre.

"Equivalent disused rail lines in Victoria have been reinstated for $0.124 to $0.265 million per km.

"That's 50 times less than the costs estimated by NSW Government."

Dr Faruqi accused the O'Farrell Government of being biased against rail.

"These inflated prices create an imbalance that favours road over rail projects," she said.

NSW Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian said a 130-page report on the cost of reinstating the rail line was done by a transport expert.

"The study was led by experienced transport project director Tim Poole and I certainly believe he is more qualified to undertake this analysis than the Greens."

Ms Berejiklian said the report found the $900 million was needed to: clear vegetation, stabilise landslide areas, replace timber bridges and sleepers, undertake an extensive replacement of ballast and to bring the system up to safety and operating standards for frequent and quick train services.

"The report found that even if this money was spent, the line still would not serve the corridor between Lismore, Ballina, Byron Bay and Tweed, and would not help direct access to health, education and social services."