The Bendigo and Echuca rail line has received a $300 million funding boost to create a modernised electric train ordering system.
The system, which will be a first for Victoria, will allow faster and more frequent services to Echuca and more services between Epsom, Eaglehawk and Bendigo.
It 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. In the future this technology could be used across the V/Line network to provide more services in other parts of regional Victoria.
The line will also receive three new stations at Goornong, Raywood and Huntly as part of a $49.6 million Victorian Government investment in Bendigo Metro 3.
In addition, ten level crossings between Eaglehawk and Bendigo will be upgraded with better train detection technology, boosting safety and allowing more services to run in this section. The upgrades are expected to triple the number of week-day return services to Echuca.
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Victorian Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said the 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,” Allan said.
The extra funding comes under the Regional Rail Revival program and brings the total investment in Victoria’s regional rail network to more than $2 billion.