The state and federal governments will invest a total of $152.7 million to prepare Melbourne’s Melton Line for electrification.
Both governments are committing equal funds to cover planning approvals, site investigations, securing the power supply for a future electrified line, and environmental assessments, as well as detailed design and costing with delivery partners.
Stage 1 works for Melbourne Airport Rail are currently creating space at Sunshine for the electrified track, while additional stabling capacity for metropolitan trains is being constructed at Cobblebank.
Works on the Melton Line Upgrade are progressing and will enable nine-car VLocity trains on the Melton Line by next year, increasing passenger capacity by 50 per cent ahead of future electrification.
Melton is currently served only by V/Line trains, sharing the corridor with long-distance Ballarat services.
Electrification will enable faster, metro-style electric trains to run along the corridor, allowing the regional VLocity fleet to be redeployed to other high-demand lines.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said: “Melton electrification is on the way, which will deliver faster trains for the west, getting families home sooner.”
Victorian Member for Melton Steve McGhie said: “This upgrade will make a real difference to the Melton community – delivering modern stations, longer trains and safer journeys across our community.”
Development works are expected to begin this year, with a target for completion of mid-2027.
The 2026/27 federal budget will reflect the funding for the development phase, the results of which will inform future funding decisions around the project.
