The Government of Victoria in Australia has announced major rail upgrades for the Echuca line as a part of the A$1.45bn ($1.09bn) regional rail revival package.
The programme is expected to improve rail services in the state and create more than 1,000 jobs, and is set to include an investment of A$91m ($68.57m) to modernise track and signaling systems between Bendigo and Echuca. The refurbishment is intended to increase the speed of trains and cut travel time from Victoria’s north.
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Bendigo Metro Stage 2 will also be delivered as part of the project, which will provide more trains to Epsom and Eaglehawk.
Victoria will receive A$1.46bn ($1bn) from the federal government under the asset recycling agreement to help finance the planned upgrades.
Northern Victoria member Jac Symes said: “Country communities expect the Turnbull Government to do the right thing and give Victoria the money we are owed, so we can get on with our Regional Rail Revival.”
The Committee for Echuca Moama and other groups have supported the package. However, the federal government has been delaying the payment that would be utilised for the latest infrastructure improvements.
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By GlobalDataThe regional government expects that the federal administration will provide the necessary funding for the project soon, amidst growing investment on the V / Line network within Victoria.
