UPDATE: Authorities confirm that extending the suburban rail network to Melton is an urgent priority as Melbourne’s outer western suburbs face a population surge. Infrastructure Victoria has revealed that the electrification of the Melton train line, along with the construction of two new stations, must commence within the next five years to alleviate the overcrowding on current V/Line services.
The state’s infrastructure adviser asserts that there are no engineering obstacles preventing simultaneous electrification and upgrades around Sunshine. Commuters at Rockbank station are currently facing significant disruptions due to overcrowded trains.
The Andrews government, however, has indicated that it will delay its focus on Melton until around 2030, prioritizing the completion of track separations around Sunshine before addressing the pressing needs of Melton and Wyndham Vale. Infrastructure Victoria’s chief executive, Jonathan Spear, has made it clear that the electrification project should be expedited.
“[We] would certainly be keen on the Melton electrification being delivered as soon as possible,” Spear stated. He emphasized that while disruptions are already anticipated for Sunshine upgrades, this is the perfect time to initiate work on the Melton line.
Residents of Melton, which is projected to be home to 1.8 million people by 2050, have been reliant on regional V/Line trains despite the government’s promise to electrify the train lines before the 2018 election. Unfortunately, the timeline for implementing larger, more frequent Metro trains to Melton remains unconfirmed, raising concerns among commuters.
In response to the pressing demand, a $650 million package of improvements is set to begin next month along the Melton line. This initiative will extend platforms at Cobblebank, Rockbank, Caroline Springs, and Deer Park stations, allowing for the operation of nine-carriage V/Line trains instead of the current six-carriage trains. This change is expected to provide a 50% boost to passenger capacity by 2027.
As the population in this rapidly growing urban corridor continues to swell, the urgency to enhance rail services becomes increasingly critical. Residents are calling for immediate action to ensure reliable and efficient transport options are available.
The community is left to wonder: will the government heed these calls before the situation deteriorates further? Stay tuned for more developments on this pressing issue.
