<p>Victoria’s regional rail network will get nine high-speed trains under a $125m contract unveiled by the Bracks Government.</p> <p>Rail manufacturer Bombadier will build the two-carriage trains that the Victorian Government said will be the first to operate at high speed – up to 160 km/h – in the state.</p> <p>Victorian transport minister Peter Batchelor said the Government has exercised an option in the existing Bombadier contract, which provided for 29 trains at a cost of $410m, to buy an additional nine new trains.</p> <p>"The massive contract will inject well over $200m into the local and Victorian economies and deliver 21 st Century rail services to many thousands of regional Victorians," Mr Batchelor said.</p> <p>"They are a key part of the biggest investment in regional rail in 120 years and in delivering a sustainable transport system for the long term."</p> <p>The trains will be delivered to the V/Line from the end of 2004, with final delivery by late 2006. </p> <br />
