Melbourne's southeast will get 25 new high trains under a two-billion dollar-plus rail project. Source: AAP
MELBOURNE'S southeast will get 25 new high capacity trains under a $2 billion-plus rail project.
The project will transform the Pakenham and Cranbourne lines and deliver a 30 per cent capacity boost for the rail corridor, the state government says.
Premier Denis Napthine said the project was a significant investment in the next generation of technology and would include 25 new trains.
"With more trains running more often, that's an extra 4500 people in peak hour who can get where they need to go as quickly as possible," he said on Thursday.
Transport Minister Terry Mulder said four level crossings will be removed under the project.
He said this will remove bottle necks and improve road travel times.
Mr Mulder said the project will also improve train services for V/Line commuters coming from Gippsland.
Under the project three stations will be rebuilt and a train maintenance depot will be established at Pakenham East.
The project will allow for 18 services to run every hour in peak times.
Dr Napthine said the money was all new funding.
He said the project originated from an unsolicited proposal to the government.
Construction on the project will start in 2015 and conclude in 2019.
More than 3000 jobs will be created during construction.
Deputy Opposition Leader James Merlino said earlier on Thursday the priority should be to remove 50 level crossings and to build a Melbourne Metro rail tunnel.
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