A recent train derailment in Wellington has brought attention to a long-discussed upgrade project for the region's rail signalling system, which could have potentially prevented the incident. The crash occurred when a Metlink train on the Johnsonville Line ran a red signal, leading to a collision with a concrete stop block near Khandallah Station, resulting in serious injuries to four individuals. The proposed upgrade, estimated at $710 million, aims to modernize Wellington's outdated signalling system to align with international standards. It includes the implementation of the European Train Control System (ETCS), which is designed to enhance safety by automatically enforcing train speeds and adhering to signals. Despite the critical nature of this upgrade, KiwiRail has halted procurement efforts to find a contractor, citing funding issues. The Wellington Regional Public Transport Plan from the previous year noted that while the upgrade was approved, it remains unfunded, raising concerns about the safety of the current rail system.