Geelong to Melbourne Fast Rail project forms part of Federal Government's National Faster Rail Plan. While the project is jointly funded by Federal and Victorian Governments, the project delivery will be undertaken by Victorian Government under the Western Rail Plan, and overseen by Rail Projects Victoria.

Passenger rail services between Geelong and Southern Cross Station take approximately one hour at an average speed of between 70 and 80 kilometres per hour. A report by the Victorian Auditor-General shows that during peak hour, the current rail service is often over capacity.

The Fast Rail project will take a more direct route between the two cities, bypassing Sunshine in Melbourne’s west and instead travelling through Werribee. This new Werribee corridor will reduce the journey by up to eight kilometres, resulting in a shorter journey time of approximately 50 minutes, with the potential to fall below 40 minutes upon completion of all stages. 

The project’s major efficiencies will be delivered by Stage One through the development of tracks dedicated to regional services between Werribee and Laverton. 

The project will be delivered in stages, with only details for stage one between Werribee and Newport so far announced.

Stage One of the project between Werribee and Newport will include: 

• new track dedicated to regional services (between Werribee and Laverton)
• upgrades to bridges over main roads
• station upgrades at Werribee and Laverton
• new bridges and culverts over creeks and rivers, and
• signalling and train control system upgrades.