Level crossings on hold as Labor vows to fix Melbourne’s most unreliable train line
The Victorian Labor government has pledged $80 million to duplicate the Upfield rail line to reduce congestion, while simultaneously delaying the removal of eight level crossings to save $686 million. The move is seen as a strategic effort to secure support in key northern suburbs ahead of the upcoming election.
Why it matters
The decision balances infrastructure improvement with fiscal austerity, reflecting the political trade-offs involved in major urban transport projects.
— 12:29pm , first published September 28, 2026 — 5:00am
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Share A A A Labor has promised to duplicate Melbourne’s least reliable rail line and save taxpayers more than $600 million in major infrastructure works, while further delaying a signature policy of former premier Daniel Andrews.
Premier Ben Carroll will on Monday announce a funding commitment of $80 million over two years to kickstart work on building a second track on the Upfield line, which will slash wait times for commuters in suburbs including Broadmeadows, Dallas, Campbellfield and Fawkner.
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