The Melton train line should be electrified by 2030 and two new stations built in Melton, according to the state’s peak infrastructure advisor.
Infrastructure Victoria’s (IV) latest Victorian Infrastructure Strategy makes 45 recommendations to the state government across infrastructure sectors including transport, health, housing, energy, social infrastructure and the environment.
IV said that by 2030, the government should extend metropolitan train services from Sunshine to Melton by electrifying the line, and it should build two more tracks to provide four tracks from Sunshine to Caroline Springs to allow for faster Geelong, Ballarat and Wyndham Vale V/Line services.
It said this should be a “top priority” for the west, and be completed alongside the planned upgrade to the six kilometres of rail around Sunshine station.
Mt Atkinson resident Giri Khara said residents have been calling for the parallel planning and delivery of the electrification of the Melton line and Sunshine Superhub.
“This parallel approach will ensure unlocking benefits of the Sunshine Superhub but also unlocking the housing potential that western Melbourne offers during this housing crisis,” he said.
IV has also recommended new stations at Thornhill Park (Paynes Road) and Mt Atkinson (Hopkins Road).
Infrastructure Victoria chief executive Dr Jonathan Spear said electrifying the Melton line would result in up to 16,000 more train trips and up to 9000 fewer car trips each day by 2041.
The report states that running trains more often on the Melton line, including the extensions, would mean Melton residents could access 18,000 more jobs within 60 minutes by public transport.
“With new homes around existing stations and bus network improvements to connect to new stations factored in, the overall benefits are likely higher,” Dr Spear said.
“The extensions would reduce congestion and travel times on many roads and trains during morning peak hours, including the Western Freeway.”
A government spokesperson said rebuilding Sunshine station is the first step towards electrifying the Melton line – with the station set to unlock capacity for more than 1000 services each day across the busiest rail lines in Melbourne’s west and western Victoria.
The $4.1 billion Sunshine Superhub project will include construction of the track that will become the electrified Melton line.
“Works are underway on the $650 million Melton line upgrade, which will increase passenger capacity by 50 per cent by 2027 – when nine-car VLocity trains are delivered – ensuring capacity is delivered as soon as possible whilst preparing the line for electrification,” the spokesperson said.
