The Albanese and Allan Labor Governments are getting on with delivering longer trains and improved journeys for passengers in Melbourne’s growing west, with the contract to deliver the Melton Line Upgrade now awarded and early works set to start next month.

John Holland, Kellogg Brown and Root (KBR), Metro Trains Melbourne and V/Line have been awarded the contract to deliver the $650 million project, which is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments. 

The Melton Line Upgrade will boost passenger capacity along the Melton Line by 50 per cent. 

The upgrade will also ensure that from 2027, modern and accessible nine-car VLocity trains will be running, one year ahead of schedule, paving the way for future Melton Line electrification. 

The project will extend platforms at Cobblebank, Rockbank, Caroline Springs and Deer Park stations, allowing the longer trains to park at the stations.

A new train stabling yard at Cobblebank will be constructed, with site establishment works already underway. 

The Cobblebank stabling yard will allow the new nine-car VLocity trains to start from first service to the city, improving reliability and frequency between Melton and Southern Cross – with the site also future proofed to cater for Metro trains when the Melton Line is electrified.

Additionally, the Melton Level Crossing Removals project is removing four dangerous and congested level crossings in Melton and Truganina, and is constructing a new Melton Station, which will open next year. 

Melton Station’s four new platforms will accommodate Ballarat services and provide dedicated platforms for new Melton services, including the nine-carriage trains. 

These upgrades will ensure the fast-growing community can benefit from improved and more reliable train services as soon as the project is complete.

The Albanese and Allan Labor Governments are also investing more than $4 billion to deliver the new Sunshine Superhub which is the first step towards connecting our public transport network to the Melbourne Airport and delivering Melton Line electrification in the future.

Quote attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“The Australian and Victorian Labor Governments are working together to upgrade our transport infrastructure and ensure our rail networks are reliable and resilient for Melbourne’s growing west.”

Quote attributable to Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure and Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams:

“We’re getting on with delivering the transport projects that matter to hardworking families in Melbourne’s west – making train travel faster, safer and more reliable for thousands of passengers every day.”

Quote attributable to Federal Member for Hawke Sam Rae MP:

“Melton is the fastest-growing community in Australia – our people deserve the infrastructure they need to connect them to opportunities, spend less time commuting and more time with their families.” 

Quote attributable to Federal Member for Gorton Alice Jordan Baird MP:

The Melton Line Upgrade is critical investment for the western suburbs from Deer Park to Melton.  It will improve travel connections, boost the economy and better connect people to where they live, work, and play."

Quote attributable to Victorian Member for Melton Steve McGhie: 

“This upgrade will make a real difference to the Melton community – delivering modern stations, longer trains and safer journeys across our community.”

Quote attributable to Victoria Member for Kororoit Luba Grigorovitch:

“This is a game changer for our growing western suburbs – giving locals in communities like Deer Park and Caroline Springs the modern, reliable and frequent train services they deserve.”