The Metro Tunnel Melbourne will transform the way commuters travel in Melbourne, connecting the Cranbourne, Pakenham, and Sunbury lines with five new underground stations, reducing congestion on central lines.

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

Hurstbridge Line tunnel nears completion in Melbourne
Photo: Tim/stock.adobe.com

Metro Tunnel Melbourne Marks a New Era for City Transport

The Melbourne one will divert trains from the City Loop line, which is already overcrowded, with the construction costing AU$13.5 billion. According to the transport minister, the project will help deliver faster, high frequencies once completed.

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In addition, the construction of another underground tunnel will eliminate bottleneck points that have long existed. Due to the change, commuters will enjoy easy connection points with fewer delays while having access to major destinations in the city.

Metro Tunnel Melbourne Expands Capacity and Connectivity

The Metro Tunnel Melbourne will provide more than 1,000 extra services each week on the Sunbury line, more than 100 on the Cranbourne, and over 100 on the Pakenham lines. The Frankston line will also resume its journey on the City Loop to provide improved access to Parliament, Melbourne Central, and Flagstaff stations.

During peak periods, the frequency will be trains arriving in 3 to 4-minute intervals, while off-peak will reduce to 10 minutes. The transport planners are synchronizing the bus network with train services to provide the community with an integrated “turn-up-and-go” solution.

In contrast to Sydney Metro or London’s Crossrail, Melbourne’s new tunnel is designed to connect with suburban, regional, or freight trains. Owing to the complexity involved, the railway system will be fully retimetabled.

A Strategic Investment in Melbourne’s Future

The tunnel construction cost escalated from 11 billion dollars to 13.48 billion dollars (~13.5 billion dollars), but the investment is seen as crucial in the long run. The tunnel is one of the steps taken to support Melbourne’s future growth in line with the provision of sustainable transport solutions.

When trains commence operation in 2026, the network will be able to support faster travel, frequencies, and economic links between the suburbs and the city center. This is the biggest change seen in Melbourne’s transport network in the last 40 years.

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What is the Metro Tunnel Melbourne project?

It is a $13.5 billion infrastructure program connecting the Cranbourne, Pakenham, and Sunbury lines through a new underground corridor with five stations.

When will the Metro Tunnel Melbourne open?

The full opening is scheduled for 1 February 2026, with a partial launch expected in December 2025.

How will the Metro Tunnel improve travel?

It will increase train frequency, reduce congestion, and provide seamless connectivity between key lines and stations across Melbourne.

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