High-capacity trains to hit the Melbourne network mid-2019

THE design of Melbourne’s new high-capacity trains has been unveiled and you will soon be able to walk through a life-size model. See what they will look like.

MELBOURNE’S new high-capacity trains are on track to be delivered next year, as a model goes on public display this week.

The $2 billion fleet will roll out on the busiest train corridor, the Cranbourne-Pakenham line, from mid-2019 and will run through the Metro Tunnel to Sunbury from 2026.

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A life-size model replicating the 65 new trains will go on display at Birrarung Marr on Friday.

Melburnians will be able to walk through a section of the seven carriage trains.

There will also be a virtual reality experience, activity zone and, to end the display, a light show for White Night on February 17.

An artist’s impression of the new trains. Picture: Supplied

The new trains will initially run on the Cranbourne-Pakenham line. Picture: Supplied

Premier Daniel Andrews said Victoria needed a public transport network good enough that people can “leave the car at home”.

“We are going to keep investing in more new trains so we can run more trains, more often,” he said.

The trains — with 20 per cent larger capacity — have been on the agenda for a number of years.

The government originally ordered 37 trains but added an extra 28 in 2016.

Melbourne’s new high-capacity trains are on track for delivery next year. A model will be on display at Birrarung Marr from Friday 🚂 @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/tJzn1q2wuU

— Monique Hore (@moniquehore) February 6, 2018

A Chinese-state owned company in Beijing is building the shell of the trains, which will then be assembled in Victoria.

That work will start at a workshop in Newport soon.

Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said there was a 60 per cent “local content” agreement in place — meaning more than half the work would be done in Victoria.

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