UPDATE: The electrification of the Melton train line is now an urgent priority as Melbourne’s outer western suburbs face skyrocketing population growth. Infrastructure Victoria emphasizes that extending the suburban rail network to Melton must occur within the next five years to address severe overcrowding on current V/Line services.
In a bold statement, Jonathan Spear, chief executive of Infrastructure Victoria, confirmed that there are no engineering obstacles to initiating the electrification of the line to Melton, alongside the construction of two new stations at Thornhill Park and Mount Atkinson. This can commence concurrently with the ongoing upgrades around Sunshine.
Despite this pressing need, the Andrews government has indicated a delay, postponing action on Melton until around 2030 after completing significant track separation work for the airport rail project.
Spear urges immediate action, stating, “There is going to be a fair bit of disruption anyway while some of the Sunshine work is done. So while it is disrupted, some work on the other lines like Melton could be started as well.” His call highlights the critical nature of this project as Melbourne anticipates a surge in residents, projected to reach 1.8 million by 2050 in what is currently the fastest-growing urban corridor in Australia.
The Labor government had previously pledged before the 2018 election to electrify the train lines to Melton and Wyndham Vale. However, no concrete timeline has been set for delivering larger, more frequent Metro trains to Melton, with the situation for Wyndham Vale appearing to remain indefinitely on hold.
Starting next month, a $650 million upgrade package will enhance services along the Melton line by extending platforms at key stations including Cobblebank, Rockbank, Caroline Springs, and Deer Park. This initiative will allow for the operation of nine-carriage V/Line trains, boosting passenger capacity by 50 percent by 2027.
The lack of timely action on the Melton line electrification poses a significant risk to commuters who are already facing challenges with overcrowded trains. As the local population continues to swell, the demand for reliable and efficient public transport becomes increasingly critical.
Residents and commuters are urged to stay informed about these developments, as the need for swift action is more pressing than ever. The future of Melbourne’s transport infrastructure hangs in the balance, and immediate decisions are required to ensure that the needs of the burgeoning population are met.
What’s Next: Watch for further announcements from the Andrews government and Infrastructure Victoria regarding timelines and additional funding for the Melton electrification project.
