A proposal to build a $15 billion High Speed Rail (HSR) line from Dandenong to Geelong, via Melbourne, Werribee and Avalon – reducing travel times to as low as 30 minutes – has successfully advanced to Stage 2 of the bid process for the Australian Government’s Faster Rail Prospectus.
The proposed HSR will be a congestion buster for Melbourne’s east-west transport corridor, with initial modelling suggesting it will attract 24,000 passenger trips per hour in peak periods – equivalent to the vehicle capacity of a 12 lane freeway.
The proposal will also significantly improve housing affordability and employment opportunities, as distant suburbs become more connected and accessible.
The Australian-owned MegaRail consortium proposal would link Melbourne – Geelong and the Melbourne –Latrobe Valley corridor with a single HSR line, delivering cruising train speeds of 350 km/hr.
The service plan includes:
- Geelong – Melbourne expresses for a 17 minute connection
- Werribee – Dandenong shuttles for 9 minute Werribee – Melbourne and 10 minute Melbourne – Dandenong connections (plus 2 minute station dwell time)
- Geelong – Dandenong all-stops services for 8 minute Geelong – Avalon and 8 minute Avalon – Werribee connections (Werribee – Dandenong as above)