Funding commitment takes Melton Line electrification a step closer to reality

The Albanese and Allan Labor Governments are jointly funding $152.7 million, on a 50:50 basis, to deliver works that will support the future electrification of the Melton Line.

Funding for this project will be reflected in the 2026-27 Federal Budget.

This significant investment will cover works to finalise the design, scope and costs to inform the future delivery of the project.

The funding will progress:

• Site investigations
• Environmental assessments
• Planning approvals
• Secure power supply for the future electrified line
• Detailed design and costing with delivery partners

“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,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said.

“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,” VIC Premier Jacinta Allan said.

Works carried out as part of the Melbourne Airport Rail Stage 1 are already creating space at Sunshine for the electrified track as well as additional stabling capacity for metropolitan trains at the future Cobblebank train stabling yard.

The delivery of the Melton Line Upgrade – jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments – is powering ahead and it will enable nine-car trains to run on the Melton Line by next year once works are completed, boosting the line’s capacity by 50 per cent.

Electrification of the Melton Line will allow more trains to run along the corridor while also enabling the regional VLocity fleet to be redeployed to other high demand corridors.

Development of this project is anticipated to commence this year and be completed in mid-2027. The current phase of works will help inform future funding decisions regarding construction of the electrification project.

“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,” VIC Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams said.

“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,” Federal Member for Hawke Sam Rae said.

“Electrifying the Melton Line will improve travel connections and better connect people in the west to where they live and work,” Member for Gorton Alice Jordan Baird said.

“This upgrade will make a real difference to the Melton community – delivering modern stations, longer trains and safer journeys across our community,” VIC Member for Melton Steve McGhie said.

“This will be a game changer for our growing western suburbs – unlocking capacity to deliver reliable and frequent train services,” VIC Member for Kororoit Luba Grigorovitch said.

Source: Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Infrastructure Magazine