Melbourne infrastructure: Airport rail link and Suburban Rail Loop updates

The Australian and Victorian governments have committed to accelerating the Melbourne Airport rail link. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Ben Carroll announced stage two of the project, which will include a 7.4km rail line from Albion to the airport precinct via a new Keilor East station. The project also involves constructing a 500-metre rail bridge over the Maribyrnong River. Site investigations and procurement are expected to begin within weeks, with major construction slated for 2028 and completion targeted for 2031.

Separately, Premier Ben Carroll announced a $2 billion cost reduction for the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL), a 90km underground rail initiative designed to connect Melbourne’s middle suburbs. The project, which includes the currently under-construction SRL East, has faced significant scrutiny regarding its financial impact and economic viability. While the first phase is expected to operate by 2035, independent analyses have raised concerns regarding the project's total cost and the necessity of explicit exit strategies.