Khandallah railway station facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Khandallah
Metlink commuter rail
Location	Station Road, Khandallah, Wellington, New Zealand
Coordinates	41°14′34.05″S 174°47′35.94″E / 41.2427917°S 174.7933167°E / -41.2427917; 174.7933167
Owned by	Greater Wellington Regional Council
Line(s)	Johnsonville Line
Platforms	Dual side
Tracks	Main line (1) Crossing loop (1)
Connections	Bus services
Construction
Parking	8 spaces
Bicycle facilities	No
Other information
Fare zone	3
History
Opened	21 September 1885
Rebuilt	1967, c2010
Electrified	2 July 1938
Services
Preceding station   Transdev Wellington   Following station Raroa toward Johnsonville Johnsonville Line Box Hill toward Wellington

From the station platform, looking south.

Khandallah railway station is a train stop in Wellington, New Zealand. It is one of eight stations on the Johnsonville Line. This line is a special railway for people who travel to work or school every day.

The station was first built by a company called the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company (WMR). It was part of their main line connecting Wellington to Longburn. Later, the New Zealand government took over the railway in 1908. Until 1937, Khandallah station was part of the main railway line across the North Island.

Today, electric trains run through this station. They are part of the Metlink public transport system. Trains travel both north to Johnsonville and south to Wellington.

Station History

Khandallah was one of the first three stations built by the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company. It opened on 21 September 1885. This was when the first part of the railway line between Wellington and Paremata began operating. Regular train services started just a few days later, on 24 September.

Early Features

When it first opened, Khandallah was a "flag" station. This meant trains would only stop if someone waved a flag to get on, or if a passenger asked to get off. It had one platform and a small wooden shelter for passengers. There was also a "crossing loop." This is an extra track that allows trains going in opposite directions to pass each other.

Over time, the station changed. After the government took control, a signal box was added. This building helped control the train signals. A second loop track was also built. By 1947, the station had two platforms, each with its own shelter. The signal box was removed later, possibly when the original station building was replaced in 1967.

In January 2019, a car accidentally drove onto the station tracks. Luckily, no one was seriously hurt.

How the Station Works

EMU 4103 at Khandallah Station in March 2011.

At Khandallah station, trains heading "up" (towards Johnsonville) use the crossing loop track. Trains heading "down" (towards Wellington) stay on the main track. There are special safety tracks at both ends of the loop. These are called safety sidings. They help prevent accidents.

Colour light signals are also at both ends of the platforms. These lights tell train drivers when it is safe to go.

Train Services

Trains run regularly through Khandallah station. During most of the day, trains leave every half hour. During busy times on weekdays, like when people go to work or school, trains run more often. This helps everyone get where they need to go.

Station Facilities

Station car park.

Khandallah station has two platforms, one for each direction of travel. Each platform has a shelter where passengers can wait. There is a small car park with nine spaces next to the platform for trains heading towards Johnsonville. The first station building and signal box were on the platform for trains heading towards Wellington.

You can get to the station from Station Road. There is a level crossing with automatic barriers that lets people cross between the platforms. You can also walk to the station from the south end of the platform for trains heading towards Wellington. This path goes down to Cashmere Avenue and Agra Crescent. Another path connects the north side of the crossing to Burma Road. There is also a pedestrian rail crossing with bells between Burma Road and Poona Street.