Melbourne’s next-generation High Capacity Metro Trains will be smoother, quieter, more comfortable and carry 20 per cent more passengers per service.

As well as designing and manufacturing 65 new trains, the project includes the construction of a new depot and driver training facilities in Pakenham East.

The Cranbourne and Pakenham line will also be upgraded to enable the new trains to run. This includes platform extensions, and power and signalling infrastructure upgrades.

Train manufacturing began in early 2018 with the first High Capacity Metro Trains due to be operating from mid-2019.

The Victorian Government has entered a public private partnership with Evolution Rail (a consortium involving Downer, CRRC and Plenary) to deliver the $2.3 billion project.

Works on the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines will be completed by an Alliance including CPB Contractors, Metro Trains Melbourne, Aurecon and WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff, the same Alliance that delivered the level crossing removals on the Cranbourne and Pakenham line.