John Holland Overview

John Holland is the leading provider of end-to-end rail and transport solutions in Australia and New Zealand. From designing and constructing transport networks to operating them, they’re transforming the way people travel and providing better connections across the country.

Every day, more than one million passenger journeys are taken on John Holland networks. Their long-standing experience in mass transport means they know how to put together the right solution – from start to finish. Focused on the future of transport, they innovate today for the best outcomes tomorrow – from digital engineering and digital asset management, to targeting zero-emission transport modes. John Holland is responsible for designing, constructing, maintaining and running many of Australia’s largest and most critical transport systems.

The challenges of a Metro Tunnel

Belinda Viavattene – Interface Manager • Beveridge Intermodal Freight Terminal-R

Belinda Viavattene has more than 25 years’ experience in the rail and engineering industry, delivering major rail infrastructure projects across Australia. Her expertise in rail project delivery and track construction has contributed to the successful delivery of numerous complex projects.

As Delivery Manager for track construction on the Metro Tunnel Project, Belinda led the delivery of the track works through Melbourne’s landmark underground rail corridor.

Belinda’s presentation will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the construction of the Metro Tunnel track system and the key challenges and achievements of this significant project.

Simon Lehman Project Manager – Signalling & Comms Installation Manager • Metro Tunnel Rail Network Alliance

Simon is a Rail Systems professional with more than 15 years’ experience delivering major rail infrastructure projects for John Holland, including the Regional Rail Link, Mernda Rail Extension, Level Crossing Removal Project, and Metro Tunnel Project.

As Testing and Commissioning Manager on the Metro Tunnel Project, Simon led the dynamic testing of High Capacity Metro Trains (HCMT) and supported the integration of complex signalling and rail systems.

Simon will share insights into the delivery of Victoria’s first Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system, exploring the implementation of High Capacity Signalling (HCS) on Melbourne’s Sunbury to Dandenong corridor and the benefits it brings to the future of rail operations.

Nick Prasad – Senior Project Engineer • RIS VIC – Track & Civil

Nick Prasad was the Senior Project Engineer, Track Lead on Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel Project, responsible for delivering the slab track and floating track systems, as well as leading noise and vibration management and clash detection across the project.

Over nearly four years, Nick drove key constructability reviews, developed innovative construction methodologies, established a trial construction site to validate delivery approaches, and implemented specialised tunnel-specific plant and equipment to improve safety and efficiency.

His tenure on the project spanned from late 2020 through to the milestone of the first test train entering the tunnel, contributing to the successful delivery of one of Australia’s most transformative rail projects.