The Murray Basin Rail Project will upgrade Victoria’s rail freight network to meet growing industry demand for services.

The project will drive economic growth, create jobs and ensure the future of freight in the region, removing thousands of truck trips off regional roads.

Map of regional train lines in Victoria and works on some of these lines. Broad gauge lines operated by V/Line: Line Melbourne to Castlemaine to Bendigo to Elmore stopping at Echucua. Line from Bendigo to Kerang, Swan Hill, Woorinen and Piangil. Line Melbourne to Ballarat to Ararat. Ballarat to Maryborough. Line Korong Vale to Boort to Quambatook to Ultima to Manangatang. Line Melbourne to Geelong to Warrnambool and Geelong to Ballarat. Standard gauge lines operated by ARTC: Line Geelong to Ararat to Hamilton ending at Portland. Line from Ararat to Mutoa to Horsham to Dimboola to Nhill to Wolseley. Standard gauge lines operated by V/line: Murtoa Warracknabeal to Beulah to Hopetoun and Dimboola to Rainbow. Details of works: Ouyen to Murrayville Line (includes stop at Underbool): re-sleepering and rail adjustment. Maryborough to Ararat Line: track upgrade, upgraded signalling at Ararat Junction and Maryborough junction and new or reinstated passing loop between Maryborough to Ararat. Ballarat to Maryborough: Passing loop at Tourello Mildura/Yelta lines: sleeper upgrades between Outen to Carwarp to Mildura and siding extension at Merbein. Dunolly to Donald to Birchip to Woomelang to Speed to Ouyen to Underbool to Murrayville: reinstated siding at Donald, extending existing passing loop at Emu, new turnouts and re-signalling at Dunolly junction, re-signalling and new mobile refuelling site at Ouyen Sea Lake to Korong Vale (includes stop at Wycheproof): sleeper upgrades.

Project benefits

The Murray Basin Rail Project has been developed in consultation with the freight and agriculture industries. It will deliver key benefits for primary producers and freight operators including:

Revised business case

A revised Murray Basin Rail Project business case was developed by the Department of Transport and Rail Projects Victoria and submitted to the Commonwealth Government in 2020.

The business case outlines a revised scope of works to optimise the standard and broad-gauge network. This was funded by the Australian and Victorian governments.

Download a copy of the Murray Basin Rail Project Business Case Review Summary 2020 (PDF, 235.1 KB).