$300 Million rail upgrade package for regional Victoria

Posted on 27/07/2020

The Regional Rail Revival program is delivering a $300 million package of construction and infrastructure projects, designed to deliver faster and more reliable train services, as well as aiding the economy in its COVID-19 pandemic recovery.

The Victorian rail infrastructure improvements are the golden project in the government’s wider plan to recover the state’s economy post COVID-19 – the Bendigo and Echuca Line upgrade forms one of the largest projects in the scheme.  

“The Bendigo and Echuca Line Upgrade will enable faster and more frequent services to Echuca, more services between Epsom, Eaglehawk and Bendigo and new stations at Goornong, Raywood and Huntly,” said Mark Havryluk, Project Director at Regional Rail Revival.

The works include the construction of three new stations at Huntly, Goornong and Raywood.  

Furthermore, approximately 10 level crossings from Eaglehawk to Bendigo will also be upgraded and fitted with better and more modern train detection technology, ensuring safety.

A crucial part of the upgraded line between Bendigo and Echuca will be its modernised train ordering system, state of the art in Victoria.

The new system will make use of the pre-existing telecommunication networks and radio equipment already installed on all models of V-Line trains.

The extra funding for the Regional Rail Revival Program brings the overall investment in Victoria’s regional rail network to over than $2 billion.

The Regional Rail Revival program is arguably one of the largest the state has ever undertaken.

“We’re upgrading every passenger rail line in regional Victoria, creating 1,000 jobs and providing a huge boost for the local economy,” said Mr Havryluk.