The Victorian government is on a collision course with federal Labor over $9.3 billion it needs for the first phase of its Suburban Rail Loop, as calls grow for the megaproject to be halted to free up more money for congestion-busting road projects in suburban electorates.

Premier Jacinta Allan, whose government is under increasing pressure because of soaring debt, has vowed to plough on with construction of the controversial $100 billion rail project despite reports of unease in the state government’s ranks about its future.