The Victorian Government announced it will allocate $50 million in its 2018/19 budget for detailed investigations towards a fast rail link between Melbourne and Geelong.
The government said in a statement that the $50 million will be used for detailed investigations of fast rail infrastructure upgrades, costs and train requirements, which will help identify a preferred option and pave the way for full business case development.
According to the statement, a number of options will be investigated, including the possible electrification to Geelong along the existing rail corridor, as well as new dedicated high-speed rail alignments with new rolling stock.
The investigations will also consider a new fleet of dedicated trains capable of travelling between 250 and 300km per hour.
The statement said the fast rail link would slash travel times between Melbourne and Geelong, as well as create a rail pathway to Melbourne Airport.
Victorian Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan said the work would help determine the best way to deliver high-speed rail to Geelong as part of the Melbourne Airport Link.
“This is about ensuring any link to the airport delivers better services for Geelong and regional Victoria,” she said.
“With the right planning, this could change the way people live and work in Geelong.”
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