Melbourne Suburban Rail Loop contract awarded for eastern section

The Melbourne Suburban Rail Loop contract for the eastern segment has been awarded by Victoria’s state government to the TransitLinX consortium (Victorian Government). It includes the first Metropolis automated trains built in Australia, to be manufactured at the factory in Dandenong.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The package is valued at AUD 6.7 billion (EUR 3.78 billion) and was awarded to a consortium formed by John Holland, KBR, WSP, RATP Dev and Alstom. Dandenong is in Melbourne’s southeast. For delivery, the group will operate under the name Linewide Alliance (Victoria’s Big Build).

Eastern section of the Melbourne Suburban Rail Loop

Within the overall deal, Alstom’s share is worth EUR 1 billion. It covers train delivery, digital infrastructure installation, signaling systems, maintenance services and overall system integration (an Alstom press release). The scope also supports the systems needed to run the eastern section.

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Alstom will deliver 13 four-car Metropolis automated trains for GOA4 operations, using Alstom’s Urbalis Forward CBTC signaling as the integrated train control system. Maintenance will be provided through the FlexCare Perform solution for 15 years, covering the Metropolis fleet as well as signaling and infrastructure systems to support high availability and reliability.

Metropolis automated trains built in Australia

Maintenance of the new trains is planned at a purpose-built facility in Heatherton, and the first trains are expected to enter service in 2035. The fleet is designed to be accessible, with seats arranged along the walls to create more room for passengers during peak periods.

The design also allows the trains to be equipped with luggage storage areas in the future, supporting easier travel with luggage when the suburban rail ring connects to Melbourne Airport. On-board features for the eastern section are set to include platform screen doors and modern passenger information systems, plus dedicated spaces for wheelchairs and passengers with special needs, alongside flexible areas for prams, assistance animals and other uses.

Linewide Alliance systems and energy approach

Beyond rolling stock delivery, Linewide Alliance will build the systems required to operate this portion of the loop, including signaling, platform screen doors and passenger information displays. The project specifies that the infrastructure and stations will be powered by 100% renewable energy, and that energy regenerated during train braking will be used to power other trains elsewhere on the suburban rail network.

The eastern section is described as the first stage of a broader rail ring being built around the city of Melbourne, connecting Cheltenham and Box Hill via a 26 km tunnel with six underground stations.

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