Melton council is still advocating for the completion of the rail electrification in the Melton train line despite delays to the state government’s Western Rail Plan.
The Western Rail Plan, which was first announced by the state government in 2018 and would involve the electrification of tracks to extend Metro services which was meant to have its planning stages completed by 2023.
LeadWest chair and Melton councillor Phillip Zada said the electrification of the rail is one of the top priorities they’d like to be addressed in the coming federal election.
“We’re hoping with electrification that potentially could open doors to new stations,” he said.
He said that they have been in conversation about the electrification of the Melton rail line, but are stuck hoping to receive new information.
“For example, just in my ward (Mount Atkinson), we need a station at Thornhill Park,” Cr Zada said.
“We also need a station in the Mount Atkinson Estate, we need Rockbank upgraded.
“This is where electrification can either be to upgrade all the stations that are there now, or new stations will have it, or both.”
A Victorian government spokesperson said four level crossings will be gone for good on the Melton line and a new modern Melton station will open in 2026. They didn’t answer questions about a time frame the electrification of the Melton line.
“We’re getting on with delivering our record investment in road, rail and buses in Melbourne’s west – making the Melton and Werribee line level crossing free and our $650 million Melton line upgrade will boost capacity on the line by 50 per cent,” they said.
“The opening of the Metro Tunnel and West Gate Tunnel in 2025 will be a game changer for our growing west, helping people get home sooner, and connecting communities with critical jobs and services.”
The spokesperson said the state government had improved the bus network in Melton, connecting Eynesbury and Weir Views with Melton station to give residents direct transport to the Melton station.
