The Government of Victoria in Australia has announced the reopening of the Mildura line following the implementation of major track upgrades as part of the A$440m ($345m) Murray Basin Rail Project.

A freight train departed from the station in Merbein on a journey to Melbourne, thereby marking the resumption of services along the network.

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The line was previously closed for nearly seven months to allow the track to be converted from a broad-gauge to standard-gauge configuration.

"The Murray Basin Rail Project is creating local jobs during construction, providing a welcome boost to towns in central and north-western Victoria."

The reopening of the Mildura line is anticipated to reconnect primary producers and freight operators located in north-west Victoria with the state’s major port facilities.

Victoria Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford said: “The Murray Basin Rail Project is reconnecting Victoria’s north-west with our major ports in Portland, Geelong and Melbourne, and providing long-lasting support to Victorian farmers and businesses.

“The Mildura line is one of our busiest rail freight links, playing a key role in transporting the Murray Basin region’s grain, mineral sands, fruit, vegetables and wine to our ports, and to the world.”

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In addition to the standardisation of the line, the project works included the enhancement of the network’s axle-loading capacity from 19t to 21t in order to enable the freight trains to carry additional cargo.

Victoria Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan said: “The Murray Basin Rail Project is creating local jobs during construction, providing a welcome boost to towns in central and north-western Victoria.

“Once finished, it will provide better connections into Portland, Geelong and Melbourne, taking trucks off our roads and moving more freight by rail.”

The next stage of the Murray Basin Rail Project is expected to include upgrades to the Sea Lake and Manangatang lines.

The Murray Basin Rail Project is being jointly funded by the federal and state governments.

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