The Albanese Government continues to invest in Victoria’s future with a new investment of $3.8 billion towards the transformational Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East project.
Delivered as part of the 2026 Federal Budget, this investment brings the total Albanese Government spend for the project to $6 billion.
SRL East will deliver a 26-kilometre underground orbital rail line through Melbourne’s eastern and south-eastern suburbs.
It will create interchanges with four of Melbourne’s established radial rail lines at Cheltenham, Glen Waverley, Box Hill and Clayton, while connecting rail lines in four directions, including regional V/Line services on the Gippsland Line.
The project will support economic productivity by improving public transport connectivity between major employment, education and health precincts including Monash, Box Hill, Clayton and Burwood.
Businesses in Melbourne’s eastern and south-eastern middle corridor will benefit from more visitors coming by public transport and by having their staff able to cross suburbs quicker and more easily.
Precincts to be connected by SRL East will support the delivery of 70,000 additional homes and more housing choice, as well as reducing urban sprawl.
The project will support 3,000 jobs through construction, and will create up to 8,000 local jobs in the long term.
This latest investment builds on the Albanese Government’s previous $2.2 billion toward land acquisition and early works for the project.
Tunnelling for the project will commence by the end of this year, with Tunnel Boring Machines currently being assembled on site. This project is expected to be completed in 2035.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
“This project is a game changer for the city of Melbourne and the state of Victoria.
“Ensuring Victorians can get into Greater Melbourne and across suburbs, rather than having to go into the CBD then back out, helps speed up travel times, get cars off the road and increases opportunities for businesses in Melbourne’s east.
“My Government is proud to partner with the Allan Government in delivering a better future for commuters across Victoria.”
Quotes attributable to Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan
“In the Albanese Labor Government we have a partner in Canberra who gets what our growing state needs.
“The Suburban Rail Loop will slash travel times and cut congestion for busy families.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King
“This investment by the Albanese Government in nationally significant infrastructure such as SRL boosts productivity and accessibility for Victoria. This is why we are getting on with delivering vital projects such as SRL East, Melbourne Airport Rail and the North East Link.
“SRL East will better integrate different transport modes, delivering a seamless and future-ready transit network for the fastest-growing areas of Melbourne.”
Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for the Suburban Rail Loop Nick Staikos
“By the 2050s, Melbourne will be the size of London – Melbourne needs an orbital rail connection that will cater for this growth and better connect people to jobs, education and healthcare.
“Only Labor will deliver the Suburban Rail Loop. Jess Wilson’s Liberals will cut it – sacking thousands of workers and leaving tunnel boring machines sunk in the ground.”