Melbourne Could Be Getting a New High-Speed Train from the CBD to Geelong
The Victorian Government has announced it's started planning work on the proposed rail infrastructure.
Trips between Melbourne and Geelong could soon be a whole lot faster — and way less crowded — with the Victorian Government announcing it's kicked off work on a high-speed train between the two cities.
It's revealed that planning work and technical investigations on the proposed rail project are set to launch soon, with the infrastructure promised $50 million out of the next Victorian Budget.
Currently, the government's looking into a host of different options for the proposed line, including electrification along the existing rail corridor and brand new high-speed rail infrastructure. Also on the cards is a new fleet of trains, which run at speeds between 250 and 300 kilometres per hour. By comparison, the current V/Line Vlocity trains run at a speed of 160 kilometres per hour.
It's hoped that the rail will be able to link to airport, via a new Melbourne Airport Link also proposed in the budget.
"This vital work will help determine the best way to deliver high-speed rail to Geelong as part of the Melbourne Airport Link," explained Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan.
The former Melbourne Metro Rail Authority will now become Rail Projects Victoria, and will oversee this proposed Geelong rail link, as well as both the Metro Tunnel and the $1.7 billion Regional Rail Revival project.
