The Victorian and Australian Governments are jointly investing approximately $300 million to help boost funding for regional rail projects, including the Bendigo and Echuca Line Upgrade.
This additional funding will deliver a new modernised electronic train ordering system – which the first of its kind in the State – on the Bendigo and Echuca Line Upgrade to enable more frequent and faster train services to Echuca as well as provide more services between Epsom, Eaglehawk and Bendigo.
With this new train ordering system, week-day return services to Echuca will be tripled with additional daily services, providing local commuters and visitors more travel options.
This system will utilise the existing telecommunication networks and radio equipment that were fitted on V/Line trains, allowing services to run safer and more often. This new technology also has the potential to be used across the entire V/Line network in the future.
In addition, the joint funding will also upgrade 10 level crossings between Eaglehawk and Bendigo with better train detection technology to help boost safety and enable more services to run in this section of the rail line.
“This extra funding will get shovels in the ground faster – delivering more trains more often for Bendigo and Echuca passengers,” Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said.
The Bendigo and Echuca Line Upgrade will deliver three new stations at Goornong, Raywood and Huntly as part of a $49.6 million investment from the State Government for Bendigo Metro 3.
Together with the new $300 million Regional Rail Revival funding boost, the total investment in Victoria’s regional rail network amounts to about $2 billion.
The Regional Rail Revival program is aiming to upgrade every regional rail line in the State, which will create over 1,000 jobs and provide a much-needed boost to local economies.
“These critical upgrades will mean better services for passengers while creating jobs and providing a much-needed boost to the regional economy through and beyond the pandemic,” Minister Allan said.
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Source: Premier of Victoria; Regional Rail Revival (1, 2); Rail Express