Order for high-capacity trains shows Airport Rail Link on track

The first trains have been ­ordered for the Melbourne Airport Rail Link in a sign of progress for the project despite fears a feud could send it off the rails.

The first trains have been ­ordered for the $10bn Melbourne Airport Rail Link as site preparations continue for construction to begin this year.

The Herald Sun can reveal the state budget contains an extra $123m for High Capacity Metro Trains, which are being brought on to parts of the Melbourne rail network.

That funding is for an extra five trains to be added to the present order of 65, and are earmarked for the airport link.

Site investigations are also about to ramp up in Melbourne’s north in a sign the project is progressing despite its business case stalling ­because of a feud over station designs at Tullamarine.

Surveying and ground condition assessments will soon begin near the existing Albion-Jacana freight line and the Airport Drive inbound entry ramp to the Western Ring Rd.

This section of the project will include elevated rail, with tracks to run alongside an ­existing rail bridge then over the ring road to Airport Drive.

Early works for the link are still on track for this year, and a business case will be ­released after the federal government’s caretaker period ends and the next government is sworn in.

State and federal governments have pledged $5bn to get the link built.

Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan says the project will connect to the Metro Tunnel, and use the same HCMT trains. Picture: David Crosling

Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said the project would connect to the Metro Tunnel, which is due to open in 2025, and use the same HCMT trains.

The Airport Rail Link is ­expected to open in 2029.

“We’re getting on with Melbourne Airport Rail and ensuring the trains are ready for this project that will slash travel times and support thousands of jobs,” Ms Allan said.

“Passengers will be able to get on a new train from Cranbourne and Pakenham and travel directly through the city to Melbourne Airport without having to change trains.”

The High Capacity Metro Trains project has been plagued by blowouts and delays, but 20 of the first 65 ordered have now hit the tracks.

They are much bigger than Melbourne’s existing fleet and include open sections that passengers could use when carrying luggage to the airport.

Testing of the trains on the new Metro Tunnel is expected to begin next year.

Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll said frequent services from the CBD would be a key part of the airport plan.

“Melbourne Airport Rail will see trains arrive every 10 minutes – while supporting hundreds of jobs in our ­advanced manufacturing sector,” he said.

Originally published as Order for high-capacity trains shows Airport Rail Link on track