A Liberal Party pledge to fund plans for the duplication and extension of the Upfield train line has been welcomed by Whittlesea council.
The Liberal Party has promised $2 million for a scoping report that will plan for the duplication, electrification, and extension of the to Wallan if it wins the federal election.
In a statement, Liberal candidate for McEwen Jason McClintock said the Upfield line has one of the least frequent peak period services in Melbourne’s rail network and is plagued by delays and cancellations.
“Communities in Beveridge and Kalkallo are crying out for transport investments,” he said.
“We need immediate investment in roads throughout the area, but we also need to start the process of delivering viable public transport alternatives. I am very pleased to secure this election commitment to support residents and encourage industry growth across Melbourne’s north.”
Whittlesea council and the Northern Councils Alliance (NCA) have been lobbying for improvements to the Upfield line for a number of years.
Council said it is pleased to see this funding commitment to planning improvements that will increase train frequency, reduce congestion and provide greater access to education, employment and essential services.
“Further north, many residents in the City of Whittlesea and beyond are reliant on diesel V/Line services that are already nearing capacity. Extending and electrifying the Upfield line and linking it with the Craigieburn line will transform the rail network, allowing full utilisation of existing infrastructure and providing a vital suburban connection to Donnybrook and beyond, reducing the need for car travel in the northern growth corridor,” council said.
The funding also paves the way for the construction of new stations at Beveridge and the future city of Cloverton.
The scoping report will outline the project timeline, objectives, technical feasibility, economic and social impacts, environmental considerations and future patronage forecasts. It will also provide recommendations and identify the next steps for implementation.
Mayor Aidan McLindon said the region needed long-term transport solutions.
“The extension and electrification of the Upfield line will not only reduce congestion but also support sustainable travel options for our residents. We look forward to seeing this project progress and will continue to advocate for further investment in our transport network,” he said.
