Network Development Plan – Metropolitan Rail Explained

The Network Development Plan – Metropolitan Rail was a long-term development plan for the rail network of Melbourne, Australia. It was written by Public Transport Victoria (PTV) and released to the public on 27 March 2013 under the Napthine government and received minor updates in 2016.[1]

Similar plans were intended to be released for regional rail, trams and buses. However, only the metropolitan rail aspect of the plan was released to the public by PTV. The Regional Network Development Plan was released by the Victorian Department of Transport in 2016.[2]

The primary aim of the metropolitan rail plan was to improve the efficiency, reliability and patronage of Melbourne's train network and transition it towards a rapid transit system. It set out a number of goals over four stages, to be carried out over 20 years. Then-CEO of PTV Ian Dobbs (whose contract was not renewed in 2015) estimated the whole plan would cost about $30 billion.[3]

In 2019 PTV was abolished as an independent, statutory government body and absorbed into the Victorian Department of Transport. The plan was influential on Melbourne's transport planning but does not represent current government policy.

Background

The Public Transport Development Authority, later trading as Public Transport Victoria, was established by the Victorian government under Premier Ted Baillieu with the intent of, among other things, planning and improving the operations of the rail network.[4]

Plan

Below is the initial timeline of Stages 1–4 of the Network Development Plan of Metropolitan Rail which was released in 2013

Stage 1: (Timeline 2012 – 2016)

This stage outlined immediate high priority goals to overcome urgent constraints, with a targeted completion date of 2016. All projects listed in Stage 1 had been completed in 2022.

Line(s)Project name StatusStarting dateCompletion date Notes
Geelong / Ballarat / BendigoRegional Rail Link (including new stations at Tarneit and Wyndham Vale) Completed20132015[5] Plans to electrify Wyndham Vale Line.
MerndaExtension of the Epping line to South MorangCompleted20102012[6] Now, the line has been extended to Mernda.
SunburyElectrification of Bendigo line to SunburyCompleted20102012[7]
GeelongConstruction of Grovedale station in Grovedale (Geelong) on the Warrnambool LineCompleted20142014[8] Renamed to Waurn Ponds.
WerribeeConstruction of Williams Landing station in Point Cook on the Werribee lineCompleted20122013
FrankstonConstruction of Southland station adjacent to Westfield Southland on the Frankston lineCompleted20162017[9]
CranbourneConstruction of Lynbrook station in Lynbrook on the Cranbourne lineCompleted20102012[10]
PakenhamConstruction of Cardinia Road station in Pakenham on the Pakenham lineCompleted20102012
BallaratConstruction of Caroline Springs station in Ravenhall on the Ballarat lineCompleted20162017[11] Initially construction started on a single platform station; scope expanded to double platform station after Melton duplication announced[12]
HurstbridgeHurstbridge line upgrade and new stabling facility at Eltham station |Completed20122013Included improved signalling between Eltham and Hurstbridge
Pakenham / CranbourneOrder 33 High Capacity Metro TrainsCompleted2016N/A 65 trains ordered in September 2016
SandringhamHigh capacity signalling trial on the Sandringham lineCompleted20202022Trial announced for South Morang line in July 2017[13]
7 X'Trapolis 100 trains Completed20152017
  • 5 trains ordered in March 2015[14]
  • 5 trains ordered in April 2016[15]
  • 9 trains ordered in February 2017[16]
  • 5 trains ordered in May 2018
40 VLocity carriages Completed20152018
  • 21 carriages ordered in May 2015[17]
  • 27 carriages April 2016[18]
  • 27 carriages in December 2017[19]

Stage 2: (Timeline 2016 – 2022)

The second stage focused on creating a "metro-style" system by segregating operations and creating end-to-end lines, with a targeted completion date of 2022. It is expected that most projects in stage 2 will be completed by 2025.

Line(s)Project name StatusStarting dateCompletion date Notes
Sunbury / Cranbourne / PakenhamUnder construction 20152025 Includes a turn back platform at West Footscray stationCompletion date is moved from 2026 to 2025
BallaratDuplication of the Serviceton line between Caroline Springs and MeltonCompleted20172021 Includes upgrades of stations and passing loops along the Ballarat line.
Cranbourne / PakenhamUpgrades to the Dandenong rail corridor, including grade separations and signalling worksCompleted20162018
HurstbridgeDuplication of the Hurstbridge line from Heidelberg to RosannaCompleted20172018[20] Done in conjunction with Level Crossing Removal Project.
Delivery of initial order of 33 High Capacity Metro Trains, and the further order and delivery of 70 trains.Completed2016202465 trains ordered in September 2016.Extended order to 70 trains in May 2021 for Airport rail link. Delayed due to continued pause on Airport rail link.
BallaratConstruction of Cobblebank station near MeltonCompleted20172019
Wyndham ValeA Brand New Railway station on Black Forest Road in Wyndham ValeEarly Planning2018TBCPart of the Western Rail Plan.Western Rail Plan has not commenced past the early planning stage as of 2024.
Major Timetabling and Operational Changes to the Network Underway20252025Planned once Metro tunnel opens in 2025.
Sandringham / South Morang / Hurstbridge / SunburyInstallation of high-capacity signalling on Sandringham, South Morang & Hurstbridge lines and between Sunbury and South Yarra stationsUnderway2020TBCHigh-capacity signalling planned to be installed between West Footscray and Westall via Metro tunnel by 2024.High-capacity signalling planned to be extended from West Footscray to Ginifer when Airport rail link opens.

High-capacity signalling not planned for Sandringham, South Morang and Hurstbridge lines[21]

Stage 3: (Timeline 2022 – 2027)

This stage focuses on extending the network to growth areas and suburbs without railway access, and utilising the preceding growth in capacity. It is to be completed within 15 years, before 2027.

Some projects are planned to happen in the next decade. Some projects may be built in a different form of transit, such as Rowville line becoming a possible light rail corridor or Doncaster line becoming a proper bus rapid transit corridor.

Implementation of HCS across the network is uncertain as of 2023.

Project name Status Starting dateCompletion date Notes
Melbourne Airport Rail LinePaused2022TBCPTV Airport Rail Link study released in 2013 supported an Albion alignment.Ongoing negotiations between Melbourne Airport and Victoria Government regarding whether to build an overground or underground station has put uncertainty to the project being completed on time.
Doncaster LineDoncaster Rail study completed in 2014 showed preferred rail alignmentExcluded in the revised plan.
Rowville LineRowville study was completed in 2014, showing preferred alignment. Light Rail to Rowville is currently being planned. however has been put on pause due to the suburban rail loop stage 1 taking priority.

Currently moved into Stage 6 of the revised plan

Melbourne Metro 2

A new tunnel between Clifton Hill & Southern Cross via Parkville

Doncaster Rail study addressed the need for this future tunnel Currently split differently in the new revised plan in stages 4/5
Electrification of the Serviceton Line from Sunshine to MeltonEarly Planning2018TBCPart of the Western Rail Plan.Western Rail Plan has not commenced past the early planning stage as of 2024.
Electrification of the Stony Point Line from Frankston to Baxter stationBusiness case released by both State and Feds governments. State government decided not to proceed with the project.
Duplication of the Cranbourne Line from Dandenong to CranbourneCompleted20182021Construction brought forward to Stage 2[22] and being built in conjunction with Level Crossing Removal Project
Completed20182023950m of duplication from East of Montmorency station no longer being constructed to conserve endangered Eltham copper butterfly habitat and construction brought forward to Stage 2 of the Plan
A Brand New Railway Station on Sayers Road in TarneitEarly planning2018TBCPart of the Western Rail Plan.Western Rail Plan has not commenced past the early planning stage as of 2024.
A Brand New Railway Station in TruganinaPlanning20222026Committed funding for early planning works for Truganina station in late 2022
Order and Deliver of High Capacity Metro Trains Underway2021TBCCommitted funding on 25 X-trapolis 2.0s instead of more HCMTs due to lack HCS expansion to the network.
High Capacity Signalling (Northern and Cross-City groups) Uncertain about expansion of HCS outside the Metro Tunnel corridors.

Stage 4: (Timeline 2027 – 2032)

The final stage involves further utilisation of extra capacity and preparing for future growth in Melbourne. The stage is to be carried out within 20 years, before 2032.

The reconfiguration of the metropolitan rail network will create seven independently operated lines similar to other rapid transit systems

Some projects listed are planned to be completed in the next decade but are still in their early stages. most details about these projects are still unknown.

Project name Status Start dateCompletion date Notes
Quadruplication of the Lilydale line between Burnley and CamberwellCurrently moved into stage 3 of the revised plan as part of the Burnley Junction Rationalisation
Duplication of the Lilydale line between Mooroolbark and LilydaleCurrently moved into stage 3 of the revised plan
Duplication of the Werribee line between the Altona Loop/Werribee Junction and SeaholmeThe loop has been partially duplicated as part of the Kororoit Creek Level Crossing Removal project. Feasibility study was completed in 2018.
Electrification of the Warrnambool Railway Line from Sunshine to GeelongCurrently moved into stage 5 of the revised plan
Electrification of the North East line from Craigieburn to Wallan
Extension of the South Morang line from South Morang to MerndaCompleted20152018[23] Includes 2 new stations at Middle Gorge and Hawkstowe.
Extension of the South Morang line to Fishermans Bend, with the Future potential to extend the railway in a tunnel under the Yarra River to Newport as the Metro Tunnel 2 ProjectCurrently split differently in the new revised plan in stages 4/5
Reconfiguration of the City Loop Currently moved into stage 3 of the revised plan, will be done on completion on Metro 1
High Capacity Signaling (Frankston and Glen Waverley/Alamein Groups)
Extension from Werribee to Wyndham ValeEarly Planning2018TBCPart of the Western Rail Plan.Western Rail Plan has not commenced past the early planning stage as of 2024.

Revised Plan - Reception and Legacy

2018 Transport for Victoria plan

In October 2018, a Victorian Rail Plan prepared by Transport for Victoria (TFV) was leaked to the press, containing a similar staged approach to the PTV NDMPR. The plan, released during the campaign for that year's state election, caused some controversy, as government policy announcements did not align with the strategic priorities identified in the plan. The Suburban Rail Loop, in particular, did not appear, and the TFV plan was further criticised for failing to prioritise meaningful service increases for regional corridors in the earlier stages of the plan. Government representatives argued that the plan was an "internal working document" and not representative of government policy; Opposition politicians contended that the plan was representative of the government's priorities.[24] [25]

Metro Tunnel Day One

The first stage of the TFV plan had an intended completion date of 2025, aligning with the start of service on the Metro Tunnel. Some of the projects are under construction.

Project NameStatusStarting dateCompletion dateNotes
Metro TunnelUnder construction20182025Includes a turn back platform at West Footscray stationCompletion date is moved from 2026 to 2025
Cranbourne Line DuplicationCompleted20212022
Somerton Link (connecting Upfield Line to Craigieburn and Seymour lines)TBDOriginally stated in the 2018 Victorian Rail Plan to be completed by the opening of the Metro Tunnel, however work has not yet started or since discussed by the government, as such it's now TBD
Hurstbridge Line Upgrade Stage 2 (between Greensborough and Eltham)Completed20182023950m of duplication from East of Montmorency station no longer being constructed to conserve endangered Eltham copper butterfly habitat[26]
City Loop ReconfigurationInitiated after Metro Tunnel Opening20252025Cranbourne/Pakenham Lines are to no longer run through the City Loop running direct to Sunbury through the new tunnels, as such the Frankston Line will use the city loop instead. With the Upfield and Cragieburn Lines gaining more subsequent capacity. The Sandringham line will then through run to the Werribee/Williamstown Line.

A diagram of the changes can be found on Victoria's Big Build: https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/metro-tunnel/about/overview/maps

Revised Plan Stages 3-6

Stage 3: (Timeline 2022 – 2027)

Project nameStatusStarting dateCompletion dateNotes
Melbourne Airport Rail LinkPaused2022TBCPTV Airport Rail Link study released in 2013 supported an Albion alignment.Ongoing negotiations between Melbourne Airport and Victoria Government regarding whether to build an overground or underground station has put uncertainty to the project being completed on time.
Burnley Junction RationalisationTBD
Melton Electrification and QuadruplicationEarly Planning2018TBCPart of the Western Rail Plan.Western Rail Plan has not commenced past the early planning stage as of 2024.
Wyndham Vale Electrification and QuadruplicationEarly Planning2018TBCPart of the Western Rail Plan.Western Rail Plan has not commenced past the early planning stage as of 2024.
Waurn Ponds Duplication (between South Geelong and Waurn Ponds)Construction20222024
Extension of Cranbourne line to ClydeEarly Planning2018TBCBusiness case underway and has not been released yet as of 2023.
Electrification of Stony Point line to BaxterTBDBusiness case released by both State and Federal Governments. Federal funding axed in November 2023
Duplication between Mooroolbark and LilydaleTBD
Shepparton Line Upgrade - Stage 2Completed20212022A stage 3 was added to the project which was completed in 2023.
Bendigo Line UpgradeConstruction20202023

Stage 4: (Timeline 2027 – 2032)

Project nameStatusStart dateCompletion dateNotes
Melbourne Metro 2 West (Tunnel from Newport to Parkville via Fishermans Bend and Southern Cross)TBD
Laverton and Williamstown Line UpgradeTBD
Extension of Wyndham Vale Line to Black Forest Road and Connection with Werribee LineEarly Planning2018TBCPart of the Western Rail Plan.Western Rail Plan has not commenced past the early planning stage as of 2024.
Quadruplication from Sunshine to WatergardensTBD
Electrification of Upfield Line to Wallan via SomertonTBD

Stage 5

A timeframe of Stages 5 & 6 are not yet published.

Project nameStatusStart dateCompletion dateNotes
Melbourne Metro 2 - Eastern Sections Commence
New Branch from Mernda Line at Lalor to Wollert
Electrification of Geelong Line
Additional Stations on Deer Park–West Werribee Railway Line
Barwon South West Line Intercity Upgrade
Gippsland Line Intercity Upgrade
Loddon Mallee Line Intercity Upgrade

Stage 6

Project dateStatusStart dateCompletion dateNotes
Additional Track Pair between South Yarra and Caulfield
Additional Track Pair from Caulfield to Huntingdale
New Branch Line to Rowville
Additional Track Pair from Huntingdale to Dandenong
Additional Track Pair from Deer Park to Melton
Duplication from Bacchus Marsh to Ballarat
Additional Track Pair from Flinders Street to Southern Cross

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Victoria . Public Transport . Growing Our Rail Network 2018–2025: 2012 Network Development Plan – Metropolitan Rail . 2023-02-08 . Public Transport Victoria . en-GB . 12 August 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190812025052/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/footer/legal-and-policies/growing-our-rail-network-2018-2025/ . live .
  2. Web site: Planning . Department of Transport and . Regional Network Development Plan . 2023-02-06 . dtp.vic.gov.au . en-au . 29 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230329100247/https://dtp.vic.gov.au/our-transport-future/our-projects/regional-victoria/regional-network-development-plan . live .
  3. Web site: A terrific, ambitious plan that just needs someone to fund it. 28 March 2013. 14 July 2013. The Age. Carey. Adam. 28 January 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140128072428/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/a-terrific-ambitious-plan-that-just-needs-someone-to-fund-it-20130327-2guqh.html. live.
  4. News: Millar. Royce. Lucas. Clay. Metro on track, if not on time, with $20m profit. 19 December 2017. The Age. 18 January 2011. 22 December 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171222105046/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/metro-on-track-if-not-on-time-with-20m-profit-20110117-19u16.html. live.
  5. News: Schetzer. Alana. Ballarat train commuters suffer after Regional Rail Link opens. 9 December 2017. The Age. 8 July 2015. 10 December 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171210074627/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/ballarat-train-commuters-suffer-after-regional-rail-link-opens-20150708-gi7i3e.html. live.
  6. News: Carey. Adam. South Morang finally gets its line. 9 December 2017. The Age. 23 April 2012. 10 December 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171210072121/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/south-morang-finally-gets-its-line-20120422-1xf4u.html. live.
  7. News: Electric train a tad late, but Sunbury residents aren't complaining. 9 December 2017. The Age. Australian Associated Press. 18 November 2012. 10 December 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171210072225/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/electric-train-a-tad-late-but-sunbury-residents-arent-complaining-20121118-29jxn.html. live.
  8. News: Linley. Margaret. Geelong's newest train station opens at Waurn Ponds. 9 December 2017. Geelong Advertiser. 12 October 2014. en.
  9. News: Carmody. Broede. Southland Station construction starts, some Frankston line disruption to follow. 13 November 2016. The Age. 15 August 2016. bot: unknown. https://web.archive.org/web/20161113032727/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/southland-station-construction-starts-some-frankston-line-disruption-to-follow-20160815-gqspso.html. 13 November 2016.
  10. Web site: Community event to mark opening of Lynbrook station on Sunday 22 April. Premier of Victoria. https://web.archive.org/web/20130427131446/https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/3556-community-event-to-mark-opening-of-lynbrook-station-on-sunday-22-april.html. 27 April 2013. 2 April 2012.
  11. News: McRae. Ewen. Caroline Springs station opens. 19 December 2017. Brimbank & North West Star Weekly. 30 January 2017. 22 December 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052035/http://www.starweekly.com.au/news/caroline-springs-station-opens/. live.
  12. News: Melbourne's latest train station may reach capacity on second day. 19 December 2017. ABC News. 28 January 2017. en-AU. 21 December 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171221094556/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-28/caroline-springs-train-station-may-reach-capacity-on-second-day/8219938. live.
  13. News: Carey. Adam. Bombardier wins $1b contract to fit Metro Tunnel with high-capacity signalling. 13 January 2018. The Age. 18 July 2017. 13 January 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180113151724/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/bombardier-wins-1b-contract-to-fit-metro-tunnel-with-highcapacity-signalling-20170718-gxd9ok.html. live.
  14. News: Victoria orders more X'Trapolis EMUs. 19 December 2017. Railway Gazette. 5 March 2015. en. 22 December 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051048/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/victoria-orders-more-xtrapolis-emus.html. live.
  15. News: Alstom to supply more X'Trapolis EMUs to Melbourne. 19 December 2017. Railway Gazette. 5 May 2016. en. 27 September 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170927093354/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/alstom-to-supply-more-xtrapolis-emus-to-melbourne.html. live.
  16. News: Probert. Oliver. Contract signed for 9 more X'Trapolis trains – Rail Express. 19 December 2017. Rail Express. 22 February 2017. en-AU. 22 December 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171222054332/https://www.railexpress.com.au/contract-signed-for-9-more-xtrapolis-trains/. live.
  17. News: Probert. Oliver. 11 rail commitments in Victorian Budget. 13 January 2018. Rail Express. 5 May 2015. en-AU. 14 January 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180114074111/https://www.railexpress.com.au/11-rail-commitments-in-victorian-budget/. live.
  18. News: Devic. Aleks. Billions for public transport overhaul. 13 January 2018. Herald Sun. 27 April 2016. en. 1 August 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160801185202/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/victorian-state-budget-201617-multibillion-public-transport-overhall/news-story/7fa2ef8b6efb3a79766096370c8847c6. live.
  19. News: Bombardier to supply more VLocity DMUs. 13 January 2018. Railway Gazette. 20 December 2017. en. 22 December 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171222055338/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/bombardier-to-supply-more-vlocity-dmus.html. live.
  20. Web site: New Rosanna Station opens, with two level crossings gone for good Level Crossing Removal Authority. levelcrossings.vic.gov.au. en. 2018-05-03. 9 November 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201109033451/https://levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/media/news/new-rosanna-station-opens,-with-two-level-crossings-gone-for-good. live.
  21. Web site: Questions on Notice Constituency Questions No 269 . 2023-01-29 . parliament.vic.gov.au.
  22. Web site: Cranbourne Line Upgrade. Victoria’s Big. Build. 25 January 2021. Victoria’s Big Build. 27 October 2019. 27 February 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200227230526/https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/cranbourne-line-upgrade. live.
  23. News: Stayner. Guy. Mernda Rail Extension construction to start next year. 14 January 2018. ABC News. 28 February 2016. en-AU. 4 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180404213520/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-28/mernda-rail-extension-construction-to-start-next-year/7205818. live.
  24. News: Carey . Adam . Leaked rail plan shows few extra services for regional commuters . 23 January 2019 . The Age . 16 October 2018 . en . 24 January 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190124041351/https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/leaked-rail-plan-shows-few-extra-services-for-regional-commuters-20181016-p50a0h.html . live .
  25. News: Lund. Andrew. Exclusive: Secret rail blueprint for Melbourne revealed. 16 October 2018. 9 News. 24 January 2019. 16 October 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181016203250/https://www.9news.com.au/national/2018/10/16/17/00/victoria-melbourne-secret-rail-plans-daniel-andrews. live.
  26. Web site: Butterfly flaps its wings in Montmorency – and upends $530m rail plan. Timna. Jacks. 23 June 2021. The Age. 25 September 2021. 25 September 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210925085956/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/butterfly-flaps-its-wings-in-montmorency-and-upends-530m-rail-plan-20210623-p583kk.html. live.