The Western Rail Plan sets out the future rail projects that Victoria needs for a high capacity rail network. 

These include:

• electrification of the Melton and Wyndham Vale lines
• increased capacity between Sunshine and the CBD, and
• Fast Rail to Geelong.

Summary of projects at early planning stages are below.

Electrification of the Melton and Wyndham Vale Lines

The provision of two new electrified metropolitan rail lines through the western suburbs to growth areas in Melton and Wyndham Vale is expected to separate them from the Ballarat and Geelong lines. This would give Melbourne’s growing suburbs frequent high-capacity services on the metro network, and return regional rail lines to regional passengers.

Currently, these growing western suburbs are only serviced by regional rail lines. Enabling fast rail services to Geelong and Ballarat needs the separation of Melton and Wyndham metro lines. 

A potential connection from Wyndham Vale to Werribee would also be considered – with the potential for this link to become the western section of the proposed Suburban Rail Loop.

Increased capacity between Sunshine and the CBD

Increased track capacity between Sunshine and the CBD is needed for faster and more frequent metro and regional trains.

Work is underway to identify possible options, including a possible new rail tunnel. This planning will take place in conjunction with the development of the Melbourne Airport Rail Link.