THE first stage of the suburban rail loop project, between Cheltenham and Box Hill, is projected to cost more than $30 billion to complete.
The business case assessing the project was released last week. When complete, the rail loop will link every major train line and provide a connection to Melbourne Airport.
The proposal starts at Cheltenham. The business case quoted the cost of SRL East from Cheltenham to Box Hill at between $30 billion and $34.5 billion. That section is expected to be complete by 2035.
The state government says that the full project will deliver “up to $58.7 billion in economic, social and environmental benefits to the state, with a positive benefit-cost ratio range between 1.1 and 1.7.”
Suburban rail loop minister Jacinta Allan said “Victorians voted for Suburban Rail Loop and we’re going to get on with it – it’ll change the way our city travels, ensuring every Victorian has access to housing, education and jobs as our state continues to grow.”
“The City Loop, West Gate Bridge, City Link and Western Ring Road are all projects that have shaped Melbourne and where people have been able to live and work. Now it’s time for Suburban Rail Loop to help shape a better future for our growing city and state,” she said.
The full business case can be read at suburbanrailloop.vic.gov.au/Library/BusinessandInvestmentCase
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 25 August 2021
