Works fast-tracked on $650m Melton Line Upgrade

The Melton Line in Victoria is a step closer to having longer 9-car VLocity trains running as works are fast-tracked on the $650 million Melton Line Upgrade. 

Longer trains are set to begin running on the Line from 2027, a year ahead of schedule. This will help improve journeys and boost passenger capacity by 50 per cent during peak times. 

The 9-car VLocity trains will run between Melton and Southern Cross, and they will have more doors for boarding to reduce crowding in aisles during peak periods. 

Platforms at some of the busiest stations on the Melton Line – Cobblebank, Rockbank, Caroline Springs and Deer Park stations – will be extended to accommodate the longer trains. 

As part of the removal of four dangerous and congested level crossings between Melton and Truganina, a new Melton Station is going to be built with longer platforms for the 9-car VLocity trains. The new station, which is set to open next year, will also feature four platforms to accommodate Ballarat train services as well as dedicated platforms for services that will begin and end at Melton. 

The $650 million Melton Line Upgrade will also deliver a new train stabling yard in Cobblebank about 700 metres east of the new Melton Station. It will be future-proofed for metropolitan trains when the Line is electrified to Melton, with capacity to double the number of trains accessing the stabling yard in the future. 

The stabling yard will enable the longer VLocity trains to be at Melton Station for the first services to the city each morning.  

New Cobblebank train stabling yard (source: Victoria's Big Build)

Key features of the new stabling yard include: 

• Stabling tracks for six 9-car VLocity trains and future proofed for Metro trains 

• Staff facilities and utilities buildings 

• Landscaping around perimeter 

• Vehicle access off Abey Road 

• CCTV and lighting 

• Connection to the Melton Line 

• Access roads and parking for workers and train drivers 

• Signalling and communication systems, including train radio tower 

• Water retention basin 

Site investigations are now underway, and crews are carrying out soil and geotechnical testing, ecology assessments, checking underground utilities and detailed land surveys. 

Feedback is also being sought for the new train stabling yard. 

Construction on the new Cobblebank train stabling yard and platform extensions will commence early next year. 

Sources: Victoria’s Big Build – Level Crossing Removal Project (1, 2, 3); Engage Victoria; Rail Express