Regional Rail Revival

The Australian and Victorian governments have invested more than $2 billion in the Regional Rail Revival program, which is upgrading every regional passenger rail line in Victoria and creating 1000 jobs.

The once-in-a-generation investment is improving the reliability of the regional public transport network, enhancing the passenger experience and supporting local economies. The program is delivering major upgrades to every regional passenger line in Victoria, creating more than 1000 jobs.

Passengers are already enjoying the benefits of Regional Rail Revival, including:

• VLocity trains to Bairnsdale
• 10 extra weekly services for Shepparton
• extended platforms at Donnybrook and Wallan stations
• a rebuilt station at Rockbank and new station at Cobblebank on the Ballarat Line
• new peak services between Melton and Southern Cross Station on the Ballarat Line

More benefits are on the way over the next 12 months and beyond as construction ramps up across the state.

Ballarat Line Upgrade

• major construction on the project is complete, with passengers enjoying benefits such as extra services between Melton and Southern Cross stations, more accessible stations and more car parking
• more services will be introduced for the growing communities along the line following commissioning, safety testing and driver training in 2020

Gippsland Line Upgrade

• major upgrades between Pakenham and Traralgon, including second platforms at key stations and track duplication, will allow more reliable services and trains every 40 minutes in the off-peak
• a new rail bridge will be built over the Avon River in Stratford, which will allow trains to travel at up to 90 km/h in this section and improve reliability on the line

Warrnambool Line Upgrade

• level crossing and signalling upgrades, as well as a new crossing loop to make it easier for trains to pass each other
• these upgrades will enable an additional fifth weekday return service, improve reliability and boost safety for train passengers and motorists

Geelong Line Upgrade

• upgrades to Waurn Ponds Station, with extra car parking as well as a new second platform, track and pedestrian overpass to allow more trains to be extended to and from Waurn Ponds
• Stage 2 of the project includes planning and development for track duplication from South Geelong to Waurn Ponds to enable more frequent and reliable services for passengers

Bendigo and Echuca Line Upgrade

• signalling upgrades from Bendigo to Eaglehawk and Epsom will deliver a metro-style train service in this section
• track upgrades will enable faster Echuca trains as well as an extra daily return service for passengers on the line
• new stations at Goornong, Huntly and Raywood, a business case for a 40-minute service frequency between Kyneton and Bendigo, as well as a planning study for the reopening of Harcourt Station

North East Line Upgrade

• track improvements and station upgrades from Melbourne to Albury/Wodonga will deliver a more reliable and comfortable service for passengers and will enable modern VLocity trains to run on the line for the first time

Shepparton Line Upgrade

• Stage 1 of the project is complete with passengers enjoying 10 extra train services per week between Melbourne and Shepparton
• Stage 2 includes platform extensions, new stabling and up to 59 level crossing upgrades which will enable VLocity trains to travel to and from Shepparton for the first time
• the project also includes a business case to finalise the scope and cost to deliver nine daily return services as part of a future Stage 3

Donnybrook and Wallan station upgrades

• 150 new car parking spaces, platform extension with shelters and better access for cars, buses and pedestrians at Donnybrook Station
• an extension of the waiting room with new toilets, platform extension with shelters and a new bus interchange and reconfigured car park at Wallan Station
• these upgrades are improving access, safety and comfort for passengers in two of Victoria’s fastest-growing communities