- Minister for Transport Infrastructure
Bendigo and Echuca are set to benefit from faster and more frequent train services as part of a $300 million regional rail funding boost from the Victorian and Federal governments.
The extra funding for the Bendigo and Echuca Line Upgrade will help to deliver a modernised electronic train ordering system - the first of its kind in Victoria - enabling faster and more frequent services to Echuca and more services between Epsom, Eaglehawk and Bendigo.
Ten level crossings between Eaglehawk and Bendigo will also be upgraded with better train detection technology, boosting safety and allowing more services to run in this section.
The new train ordering system will triple the number of week-day return services to Echuca, delivering an additional daily service than previously committed and giving local passengers and visitors more travel choices.
The system will make use of the existing telecommunication networks and radio equipment already fitted on V/Line trains - enabling services to run safer and more often.
This new technology has the potential to be used across the V/Line network to provide more services in other parts of regional Victoria in the future, particularly benefiting long-distance services.
The Bendigo and Echuca Line Upgrade includes three news stations at Goornong, Raywood and Huntly as part of a $49.6 million Victorian Government investment in Bendigo Metro 3.
The additional funding for the Regional Rail Revival, brings the total investment in Victoria's regional rail network to more than $2 billion.
The Regional Rail Revival program is upgrading every regional line in Victoria, creating more than 1,000 jobs and providing boosts to local economies.
As noted by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan
"This extra funding will get shovels in the ground faster – delivering more trains more often for Bendigo and Echuca passengers."
"These critical upgrades will mean better services for passengers while creating jobs and providing a much- needed boost to the regional economy through and beyond the pandemic."
