Melbourne commuters face severe delays as a major train derailment continues to disrupt the Hurstbridge and Mernda lines, with full restoration not expected until early next week. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The derailment occurred Sunday night near Clifton Hill station when a train carrying 55 passengers left the tracks. The driver managed to stop the train safely, and no injuries were reported.

Melbourne Train Disruptions Persist as Recovery Work Intensifies
The final carriage of the derailed train was removed overnight. (ABC News)

However, the crash caused extensive damage to tracks and overhead wiring. Because of this, Metro Trains suspended services in the city’s north and northeast, impacting tens of thousands of daily commuters.

Don’t miss…India Prepares for Bullet Train Era with Advanced Shinkansen Technology

Melbourne Rail Repairs Underway After Derailment

Repair crews have worked tirelessly since Monday to clear the site. Overnight, they removed the final carriage, which required partial closure of Hoddle Street. The road has since reopened, but significant repairs are still in progress.

Metro Trains says re-wiring and track restoration will continue through the weekend, followed by testing and recommissioning on Sunday. Full service is likely to resume on Monday if all safety checks are completed successfully.

Melbourne Commuters Urged to Plan Ahead

Replacement buses operate throughout the week, and Metro has arranged taxis for passengers with mobility needs. Still, travelers report long delays, so officials recommend planning additional travel time.

Chief Executive Raymond O’Flaherty estimates that around 100,000 commuters rely on the affected routes daily. He acknowledged the inconvenience but stressed that safety remains the top priority for the company.

The derailment cause remains under investigation. Authorities confirmed speed was not a factor, as the train traveled at about 30 km/h in a 40 km/h zone. Rail safety experts described the repair work as complex and requiring careful execution.

Industry analysts say the week-long closure, while disruptive, is reasonable given the damage. They advise patience as crews work methodically to restore critical rail services safely and efficiently.

Source: www.abc.net.au

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Don’t miss…Bairabi-Sairang railway project brings new connectivity boost

Find the latest news of the railway industry in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the rest of the world on our page on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, read Railway Supply magazine online.

Place your ads on webportal and in Railway Supply magazine. Detailed information is in Railway Supply media kit