Construction begins on Ararat train stabling upgrade

Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said the upgrade would double the capacity of the existing stabling, creating space for two three-carriage VLocity trains to be housed overnight at Ararat.

"This is the first step towards increasing weekday services between Ararat and Melbourne to 10 a day, giving passengers more options to get where they need to go," she said.

"Whether it's upgrading the stabling or getting on with the Ballarat Line Upgrade - we're making it easier for Ararat locals to catch the train."

The additional stabling will enable an extra weekday service to Ararat to be delivered in 2020.

This means two trains can be in Ararat each weekday morning ready for the first two services to Melbourne.

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The works include building a new track parallel to the existing stabling track and connecting the new track to the existing line. Security fencing, lighting, CCTV and footpaths for driver access are also part of the upgrade.

Rail Projects Victoria is overseeing the Ararat stabling upgrade on behalf of the Government, with V/Line contracted to deliver the project.

Ararat passengers will also benefit from the Ballarat Line Upgrade once major construction is completed, with the 18-kilometre track duplication between Deer Park West and Melton boosting reliability along the entire line, providing more opportunities for trains to pass each other and helping services recover more quickly from delays.

The Ararat stabling upgrade is scheduled for completion early next year. It is part of the $1.75 billion Regional Rail Revival program to upgrade every regional passenger line in Victoria and create more than 1,000 jobs.

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