- Published:
- Monday 4 May 2026 at 10:15 am
The Allan and Albanese Labor Governments will deliver vital development works to support the future electrification of the Melton Line.
The $152.7 million investment, equally funded, will undertake works to finalise the designs, scope and costs to inform future delivery.
This funding will progress:
- site investigations
- environmental assessments
- planning approvals
- secure power supply for the future electrified line
- detailed design and costing with delivery partners.
Melbourne Airport Rail Stage 1 works are already creating space at Sunshine for the electrified track and additional stabling capacity for metropolitan trains is being built at Cobblebank.
Works on the Melton Line Upgrade, jointly funded by the Albanese and Allan Labor Governments, are powering ahead and enable nine-car trains on the Melton Line by next year – boosting capacity by 50 per cent.
Electrification will enable more trains to run along the Melton corridor and allow our regional VLocity fleet to be redeployed to other high demand corridors.
Development works are expected to begin this year and be completed in mid-2027, with this phase of work to also inform future funding decisions regarding construction of the electrification project.
Funding for this project will be reflected in the 2026-27 Federal Budget.
Quote attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King
“The Albanese and Allan Labor Governments are working together to upgrade our transport infrastructure and ensure our rail networks are reliable and resilient for Melbourne’s growing west.
“This latest funding commitment is vital to informing future project investment decisions on the future Melton Line electrification.
“From 2027, modern and accessible nine-car VLocity trains will be running, one year ahead of schedule, paving the way for the future electrification project.”
Quotes attributable to Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan
“In the Albanese Labor Government we have a partner in Canberra who gets what our growing state needs.”
“Melton electrification is on the way which will deliver faster trains for the west getting families home sooner.”
Quote attributable to Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams
“Nine car trains will be able to run on the Melton corridor from next year, and we are getting ready to commence works to electrify the line.”
Quote attributable to Federal Member for Hawke Sam Rae
“Melton is the fastest-growing community in Australia. We have to keep investing and delivering the infrastructure that’ll get people to work and home to their families.”
Quote attributable to Federal Member for Gorton Alice Jordan Baird
“Electrifying the Melton Line will improve travel connections and better connect people in the west to where they live and work.”
Quote attributable to Victorian Member for Melton Steve McGhie
“This upgrade will make a real difference to the Melton community – delivering modern stations, longer trains and safer journeys across our community.”
Quote attributable to Victorian Member for Kororoit Luba Grigorovitch
“This will be a game changer for our growing western suburbs – unlocking capacity to deliver reliable and frequent train services.”