Premier Denis Napthine has announced a $2-2.5 billion southeast rail project that will create more than 3000 jobs.

The program to transform the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines will deliver a 30 per cent capacity boost for one of Melbourne’s busiest rail corridors while boosting the economy and jobs.

Dr Napthine said the multi-billion transformation will be delivered by MTR, with John Holland Construction and UGL Rail Services. Construction will begin in 2015 and conclude in 2019 creating 3000 jobs.

“This project is the first under the Government’s new unsolicited proposals process, which is designed to harness the innovation of the private sector and hasten the delivery of better infrastructure and services to Victorians at the best possible price,” Dr Napthine said. 

The project will deliver: 

 

  • 25 new next generation, high-capacity trains;
  • 21st century high-capacity signalling on the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines – one of the first uses of this technology in Australia that will enable more trains to run, more often;
  • Four level crossing removals at Murrumbeena Road, Murrumbeena; Koornang Road, Carnegie; Clayton Road, Clayton; and Centre Road, Clayton;
  • Planning and preconstruction funding to remove a further five level crossings;
  • Newly-rebuilt stations at Clayton, Murrumbeena and Carnegie; and
  • A new train maintenance depot at Pakenham East, which will create local jobs.

 

Dr Napthine said the project was another significant win for public transport that would see the number of trains running every peak hour increase to a total of 18 services.

“This significant investment in next generation technology will give us high capacity trains that can carry more passengers and high capacity signaling that will allow trains to run more frequently,” Dr Napthine said. 

“With more trains running more often, that’s an extra 4,500 people in the peak hour who can get where they need to go as quickly as possible. 

“This initiative will cater for an additional two million passengers per year to meet growing demand.” 

Dr Napthine said Melbourne’s south east was one of the fastest growing employment and population centres in Melbourne.

“It is clear that Victoria is open for business and the Government will continue to encourage the private sector to be part of our efforts to Build a Better Victoria with infrastructure like the transformation of the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines. 

“This innovative proposal will deliver significant value for money for taxpayers and allows us to bring forward this investment.”