Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced $2 billion in funding for Melbourne’s long-awaited Airport Rail project.
The money will go towards creating a new rail “Superhub” at Sunshine, which has to be done before tracks can extend to the airport.
Sunshine will get two new dedicated regional platforms and an extended concourse, and will be able to support more than 40 train services per hour, creating capacity for additional services for the growing west and to the airport.
The new rail hub will allow travellers on V/Line regional services from Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat to bypass the city and go directly to the airport.
The Prime Minister also promised a $300 million cash injection to boost rail services in the Melton growth corridor.
The line to Melton will eventually be electrified as part of the Airport Rail project.
Other works planned between West Footscray and Albion includes three new rail bridges, new and upgraded tracks, new signalling technology and realigned passenger and freight lines.
The Victorian Government will also deliver a new modern Albion Station, featuring an accessible concourse with lifts and stairs.
Following its budget in 2024, the government had announced the timeline for the Airport Rail link would be delayed by at least four years.
Speaking to the media yesterday, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen said the new funding will bring forward the Sunshine section of the project forward and it is expected to be completed by 2030.
However, the completion date for the Airport Rail project is still unknown and is likely to stretch into the next decade.
