The state government has announced the contract for the Melton line upgrade has now been awarded, as works on the project begin next month.
John Holland, Kellogg Brown and Root (KBR), Metro Trains Melbourne and V/Line have been awarded the contract to deliver the $650 million project, which is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments.
According to the state government, the Melton line upgrade will boost passenger capacity along the Melton Line by 50 per cent.
The upgrade will also ensure that from 2027, modern and accessible nine-car VLocity trains will be running, paving the way for future Melton Line electrification.
The project will extend platforms at Cobblebank, Rockbank, Caroline Springs and Deer Park stations, allowing the longer trains to park at the stations.
However, as reported by Star Weekly, platforms at Ardeer Station and Bacchus Marsh Station will no longer be extended as part of original project plans.
A new train stabling yard at Cobblebank will be constructed, with site establishment works already underway.
The state government said the Cobblebank stabling yard will allow the new nine-car VLocity trains to start from first service to the city, improving reliability and frequency between Melton and Southern Cross.
Gorton MP Alice Jordan-Baird said the Melton line upgrade project is a critical investment for the western suburbs.
