The federal and Victorian governments have taken a major step forward in delivering the long-awaited Melbourne Airport Rail project, appointing a preferred bidder to transform Sunshine Station into a regional transport superhub.
The Network Integration Program Alliance, comprising CPB Contractors and SMEC, has been selected to deliver the Stage 1 redevelopment works.
The contract includes constructing two new platforms dedicated to regional trains, extending the station concourse, creating new forecourts on both sides, and upgrading the bus interchange.
Once complete, the upgrade will convert Sunshine Station into a six-platform interchange and untangle six kilometres of track between West Footscray and Albion. The network modifications will create capacity for up to 1,000 trains per day.
Slated for completion in 2030, Stage 1 will enable more frequent services across the Geelong, Ballarat, and Bendigo regional lines. It will also establish the necessary infrastructure for future line electrifications to Melton and Wyndham Vale.
Works are already progressing, with three of the five Stage 1 packages awarded for track reconfiguration, utility relocation, and new rail bridges, alongside the rebuild of Tottenham Station. The final contract to rebuild Albion Station will be awarded in 2027.
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll described the upgrade as an important milestone for the broader airport link, while Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King noted that the Commonwealth-backed project will better connect commuters to employment centers.
“Melbourne Airport Rail is a nation-building project, and this Sunshine upgrade is a big step towards delivering it,” King said.
Concurrently, Stage 2 works are commencing in coming weeks and are scheduled for completion in 2031, introducing passenger services to a new station at Keilor East.
The line will integrate directly with Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel, utilising high-capacity signalling to support frequent services across the western suburbs.
