MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS IN MELBOURNE'S AIRPORT RAIL LINK
11 Mar 2026
After decades of discussion around Melbourne’s airport rail link, the Victorian Government has released the early concept designs for the West Footscray to Albion Rail Upgrade, the first stage of Melbourne Airport Rail, which includes transforming Sunshine Station into a new regional transport superhub.
The rail project, a $4.1-billion joint investment between the state and federal governments, covers a 6km corridor from West Footscray to Albion, addressing what authorities describe as Melbourne’s most complex rail junction outside the CBD. Six kilometres of new raised track, including two rail bridges, would separate six regional and metro lines, eliminating bottlenecks that currently constrain train frequency across the network.
It will also create space for the Melbourne Airport Rail Link (MARL) and future electrified Melton services, both running through the Metro Tunnel.
SUNSHINE STATION SUPERHUB
The concept designs incorporate features of the Sunshine Station Masterplan, enabling a major refresh of the Sunshine Station precinct and unlocking opportunities for future development.
Sunshine Station would be expanded with an extended concourse and two new platforms dedicated to regional trains, connecting regional services, Metro Tunnel trains and future airport rail in a single interchange. The new superhub will unlock capacity for more than 40 trains an hour to travel through Sunshine. Two new platforms will unlock more capacity for additional services for the growing communities of Melton and Wyndham Vale.
The Sunshine Superhub will feature:
- New walking and cycling links creating better community connections
- New City Place Plaza featuring landscaped open space
- New station forecourt with open space and landscaping
- Two new regional platforms and station concourse
- Additional lifts to improve accessibility and safety to platforms
- Upgraded station carpark with dedicated pick-up and drop-off zone near station entrance
- A bicycle parkiteer, providing secure parking for cyclists
- Bus interchange upgrades
- Security cameras and improved lighting
Capacity for more than 1000 daily train services through Sunshine would follow the completion of the broader Melbourne Airport Rail and Melton electrification projects.
Federal infrastructure minister Catherine King said the benefits would extend well beyond Melbourne. “For people in Bendigo, Warrnambool, Geelong and my hometown of Ballarat, these upgrades to Sunshine will change the way we move around the state,” she said.
The Victorian Government will also deliver a new modern and accessible station at Albion and Tottenham.
MELBOURNE AIRPORT ANNOUNCEMENT
The rail announcement coincided with Melbourne Airport’s $4.5-billion international terminal expansion, privately funded by the airport and to be delivered in stages.
The project will add five new aircraft stands capable of accommodating five widebody or eight narrowbody aircraft, as well as an enlarged check-in hall, expanded baggage reclaim and improved lounge facilities.
Sunshine Superhub works are due to begin in early 2026. Stage 1 completion is expected by 2030.
Images courtesy of Victorian Government
