The Carroll government will delay level crossing removals and begin preliminary work on duplicating the Upfield line if re-elected.
Premier Ben Carroll said the duplication would be crucial for Melbourne's north and improve reliability of rail services to the area.
The government is financially committing tens of millions of dollars to a study of the potential duplication, if it's re-elected in November's state election.
In February 2025, the Albanese government announced $7.05 million towards delivery of a business case to develop and prioritise options for upgrades to Melbourne’s northern metropolitan railway lines.
Mr Carroll said the delays would align the work with the duplication of the line in 2033, saving $686 million.
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The Carroll government will delay level crossing removals and begin preliminary work on duplicating the Upfield line if re-elected.
The government has pledged to spend $80 million on a study into the cost of duplicating the rail line.
The railway line travels through the northern suburbs and still has a section of single-line track between Gowrie and Upfield stations, limiting the amount of services that can be run on the line at any one time.
Premier Ben Carroll said the duplication would be crucial for Melbourne's north and improve reliability of rail services to the area.
The premier estimated the duplication would cost between $650 million and $1.4 billion, but stopped short of guaranteeing funding for the project.
The government is financially committing tens of millions of dollars to a study of the potential duplication, if it's re-elected in November's state election.
When asked about the decision to spend $80 million on a study conducted by government departments and agencies, Minister for Public Transport Vicki Ward said it was a financially prudent investment in the future of Melbourne's north.
In February 2025, the Albanese government announced $7.05 million towards delivery of a business case to develop and prioritise options for upgrades to Melbourne’s northern metropolitan railway lines.
In this year's 2026/27 Victorian state budget, the government allocated $3.6 million to "complete a final program business case" on improvements including duplicating the Upfield line.
Mr Carroll said the delays would align the work with the duplication of the line in 2033, saving $686 million.
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