Victoria's Metro Tunnel project has reached another major milestone, with the keys to the first three completed stations – Arden, Parkville, and Anzac – officially handed over to Metro Trains. This critical step brings the highly anticipated tunnel opening even closer, marking a significant moment for Melbourne's public transport network.
Dylan Anderson
Keys Handed Over to Metro Trains
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams visited Parkville Station to oversee the handover. Station staff from Metro Trains will now move into the new stations to trial daily operations and familiarize themselves with the systems and layouts ahead of the tunnel's opening.
The handover is more than symbolic; it allows Victoria's rail workers to begin operating and managing assets on-site, ensuring a smooth transition when passengers start using the new stations.
Over 100,000 Kilometres of Tunnel Testing
Another major achievement for the project is that trains have now travelled over 100,000 kilometres within the Metro Tunnel. This is equivalent to circling the Earth two-and-a-half times. Since the first trains entered the tunnels in mid-2023, ongoing testing has focused on verifying that all equipment and systems are working exactly as designed.
Testing and trial operations will continue along the future continuous line connecting Sunbury to Cranbourne and Pakenham. Some disruptions to the network are planned over three days – 14, 15, and 17 April – to support final preparations.
Dylan Anderson
Progress on Remaining Stations
While Arden, Parkville, and Anzac stations are now in the hands of Metro Trains, construction continues on the final two stations, Town Hall and State Library, located directly beneath Melbourne’s CBD. Crews are working steadily to complete these stations, which will bring the entire Metro Tunnel network into operation.
The Metro Tunnel project, which includes five brand-new underground stations, is the largest upgrade to Melbourne’s train system since the City Loop opened in 1981.
A Project Funded and Delivered by Labor
Premier Jacinta Allan emphasized that the project’s success is a result of Labor’s commitment to public transport infrastructure. "The Metro Tunnel will cut congestion and get you to work, uni and home sooner – and it opens this year," she said. "We’ve got the keys from the builders, now our rail workers can move in and start getting ready for passengers."
Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams added, "The Metro Tunnel will be a game-changer for our city, creating capacity for more services and connecting Victorians to jobs, education, and hospitals."
Both leaders criticized the Victorian Liberals for their past opposition to the Metro Tunnel project, reinforcing Labor's role in funding, building, and soon opening the vital new rail link.
Transforming Melbourne's Public Transport
When completed, the Metro Tunnel will deliver a second river crossing, increase the capacity of Melbourne's rail network, ease congestion on key lines, and significantly improve travel times across the city. By creating a continuous rail line through the city, it will also reduce pressure on the City Loop and benefit commuters across Victoria.
The project remains on track to open later this year, marking a historic upgrade for Melbourne’s public transport system.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
