Victoria announces rail infrastructure cuts and Upfield line upgrades

Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has announced significant changes to Melbourne’s transport infrastructure strategy. As part of an effort to streamline delivery and manage public funds, the government is cutting $2 billion from the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) project. The 90-kilometer underground rail network, which aims to connect Melbourne’s middle suburbs, remains a highly contested issue due to its massive cost and long-term financial implications for the state.

Additionally, the Labor government has committed $80 million over two years to begin duplicating the Upfield rail line. This project aims to address reliability issues and increase capacity by 50 per cent on the stretch between Gowrie and Upfield stations. To minimize costs and disruption, Treasurer Colin Brooks announced that eight level crossing removals along the Upfield line will be delayed to coincide with the track duplication, a move expected to save the state budget approximately $686 million.