The Victorian government is under pressure from the Commonwealth to accept a proposal for the Melbourne Airport Rail Link which would see the line privately owned and operated, according to a report.
The MARL, with an estimated price tag of $15 billion, has so far had matching $5 billion commitments from both federal and state governments. A plan from private consortium AirRail would offer the remaining $5 billion needed, but as part of the offer the consortium would own and operate the tunnel.
The Age is reporting this week the federal government is pressuring Victoria to go ahead with the deal, but that Victorian officials are averse to the prospect of a privately owned and operated tunnel being added to the city’s Metro Trains and the region’s V/Line network.
The airport link would connect with the planned Geelong fast rail via a new rail tunnel to Sunshine, and federal urban infrastructure and cities minister Alan Tudge says the MARL is important for the federal government’s vision of the Geelong project.
AirRail Melbourne would see some of Victoria’s transport providers partner with IFM Investors, a global fund manager with $112 billion.
The Victorian government is reportedly considering a cheaper, above ground alternative which would consist of building new tracks as well as utilising the existing railway line from the western suburban junction to the CBD.