Project benefits

The upgraded Ararat train stabling facility includes a second stabling track at Ararat Station to house 2 three-carriage VLocity trains overnight.

This means two trains can be in Ararat each weekday morning ready for the first 2 services to Melbourne, enabling the extra weekday service to Ararat as part of a new timetable that started on Sunday 31 January 2021.

Works included:

• an extra track parallel to the existing stabling
• connecting the new stabling to existing track
• security fencing
• additional lighting, CCTV and footpaths for driver access.

Ararat passengers also benefit from the Ballarat Line Upgrade. The 18km track duplication between Deer Park West and Melton and new passing loops at Millbrook and Ballan have boosted reliability along the entire line by providing more opportunities for trains to pass each other and helping services recover from delays.

About train stabling

Stabling is where trains are parked while not in operation. While the trains are in the facility, they are cleaned internally and prepared for the next day’s operation.

Upgrading stabling at Ararat means trains can be at Ararat ready for the first 2 services to Ballarat, instead of 1 train having to make the journey from Ballarat to Ararat without passengers.

A train stabling facility generally consists of:

• a fenced, open air site
• train tracks
• connections to the main train line
• signalling and communication systems
• CCTV and lighting
• access roads and walkways to the facilities.

Project delivery

The upgrade to the train stabling facility at Ararat Station was contracted to V/Line and overseen by Rail Projects Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government.