Government delays Upfield line upgrades until 2033 with duplication promise

The Carroll government has announced plans to delay the removal of level crossings and begin preliminary work on duplicating the Upfield line in Melbourne if re-elected. The line through Melbourne's northern suburbs currently has a section of single-line track, restricting the number of services that can run simultaneously. The government has pledged to allocate $80 million for a study to determine the cost of duplicating the rail line.

Premier Ben Carroll stated that duplicating the Upfield line would be crucial for Melbourne's north and enhance the reliability of rail services in the area. The duplication project is estimated to cost between $650 million and $1.4 billion, but the government has not guaranteed funding. Instead, it will invest tens of millions of dollars in a study of the potential duplication, expected to be completed by 2028.

The decision to spend $80 million on a study, conducted by government departments and agencies, has been described as a prudent investment in Melbourne's north by the Minister for Public Transport, Vicki Ward. The government has also announced that it will delay the removal of eight level crossings on the Upfield line to align with the duplication work, saving $686 million.

Critics, including the Victorian Greens, have accused the government of not committing to building the project and have called for more substantial funding to be allocated to the duplication of the line.