Sydney Trains' ability to cope with emergencies has been exposed in an internal report which reveals inadequate training, limited oversight and an overall need for "significant improvement".

The "strictly confidential" report into the preparedness of Sydney Trains, obtained by the Herald using freedom of information laws, found the main risk is "excessive business disruption and threats to safety due to poor response" to emergencies or incidents.

Sydney's rail network has suffered a high number of major incidents this year. Credit:Louie Douvis

Weaknesses in Sydney Trains' capacity to recover from major incidents were laid bare in January when the rail network was thrown into disarray for days.

The report, completed in July, warns of the need for “significant improvement” in the management of emergency preparedness at the rail operator due in part to “limited governance”. It found: