Regional Rail Revival

The $1.75 billion Regional Rail Revival program is a joint initiative of the Australian and Victorian governments to upgrade stations, signalling and rail tracks across Victoria.

The once in a generation investment will improve the reliability of the regional public transport network, enhance the passenger experience and support local economies.

The program will see major upgrades across every regional passenger line in Victoria, creating more than 1,000 jobs.

The Regional Rail Revival includes:

• Ballarat Line Upgrade - construction is already underway, and this project will enable more trains and improved reliability for Melbourne’s outer western suburbs, Melton, Bacchus Marsh, Ballan and Ballarat. A consortium involving Lendlease, Coleman Rail and SMEC is the successful construction contractor for this upgrade.
• Gippsland Line Upgrade - major upgrades between Pakenham and Traralgon including duplication of track between Bunyip and Longwarry, and a new Avon River Bridge in Stratford.
• Warrnambool Line Upgrade - a new crossing loop, upgraded track and level crossings, and improved signalling to enable an additional daily return service and pave the way for VLocity trains to Warrnambool.
• Geelong Line Upgrade - an additional platform and pedestrian link at Waurn Ponds Station, and planning for the Armstrong Creek transit corridor.
• Bendigo and Echuca Line Upgrade - signalling upgrades from Bendigo to Eaglehawk and Bendigo to Epsom to deliver a metro-style train service in this section, as well as a track upgrade to enable faster Echuca trains as well as an extra daily return service.
• North East Corridor Upgrade - track improvements and station upgrades on the North East Line, paving the way for new standard gauge train services to Albury.
• Shepparton Corridor Upgrade - separately funded by the Victorian Government, a stabling upgrade will enable a fifth return service by 2019, while track and signalling work, platform extensions and upgrades to 54 level crossings will enable faster VLocity trains to Shepparton for the first time. Project also includes a business case to finalise the scope and cost to deliver nine daily return services.