Melbourne Metro Tunnel Project | 2025 Update

Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel Project, set to open December 2025 is the largest rail infrastructure project in the history of Melbourne’s rail network since the City Loop in 1982. The project includes twin 9km tunnels under Melbourne’s CBD that will reduce the stress on train transport related to the City Loop so more trains can travel across the city.

Victoria’s Big Build

Melbourne Metro Tunnel Benefits

The rail line will extend from Sunbury in the west to Cranbourne/Pakenham in the south east using High Capacity Metro Trains with local content rolling stock; the stations are currently underway for the 2025 opening.

The Melbourne Metro Tunnel will help move more people in and out of the city with less disruptions. The project features a cross-city rail tunnel with the construction of 5 new underground stations in the City of Melbourne at Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall and Anzac.

The new Metro Tunnel station in North Melbourne is part of plans for urban renewal in the broader Arden-Macaulay precinct.

The new station will improve access to some of Melbourne’s most popular destinations including the State Library of Victoria, RMIT University and the Queen Victoria Market.

The new station will significantly improve access to the St Kilda Road precinct and key Melbourne landmarks, reducing pressure on the road and tram network to the south of the CBD.

Victoria’s Big Build

Where Are The New Metro Tunnel Stations Located?

Melbourne Metro Tunnel Project Trial & Testing

On Saturday 21st of June the Victorian Government trialled Metro Tunnel services along the full length of the Sunbury and Cranbourne/Pakenham lines.

The Metro Tunnel Project teamed up with Australia’s national science agency CSIRO, who conducted crucial smoke testing, ensuring our ventilation systems are ready to perform in emergency situations.

By generating ‘hot smoke’ with specialised equipment, we simulated real fire conditions and monitored how the smoke behaves. This helps us fine-tune extraction systems and improve emergency preparedness at the station.

Metro Tunnel Project LinkedIn

Melbourne Metro Tunnel Current Progress

Station construction: 3 of the 5 new stations being Arden, Parkville, and Anzac are complete, with the remaining 2 being State Library and Town Hall nearing completion.

Testing and Commissioning: Testing and trailing is underway, including test trains through the tunnel, simulating normal operating conditions. This involves testing signalling systems, train operations, and station procedures.

Staff Training: Metro Trains Melbourne staff are being trained to familiarise themselves with the new stations before the opening.

Opening Date: The Victorian State Government is considering opening the Melbourne Metro Tunnel with limited access to tunnels. The opening date will be announced once all construction, testing, and training are complete.

When Will The Metro Tunnel Open?

The Metro Tunnel is set to open in 2025, a year ahead of plan.

3 of the 5 Metro Tunnel stations have been completed, and the other two are approaching completion.

Trial operations have started and will continue until the Metro Tunnel opens. Many processes and procedures are required to operate the new rail line, including testing timetabled services with drivers and station officials in a dress rehearsal to ensure that everything is ready for customers.

Once station construction is completed, an opening date will be announced, as well as all of the testing, training, and planning required to safely operate this new section of the rail network.

Final Notes

The Melbourne Metro Tunnel represents a transformative leap in Victoria’s public transport infrastructure. With its planned opening now set for December 2025 a full year ahead of schedule. This project is poised to reshape the way commuters move across the metropolitan network, by redirecting key lines through dedicated twin tunnels and introducing five new underground stations. The Metro Tunnel will significantly relieve pressure on the existing City Loop system and unlock capacity for future population and transport growth.

More than just a rail upgrade, the project reflects the integration of modern engineering, high-capacity rolling stock, and urban renewal. From improved connectivity to major precincts like Parkville’s biomedical hub and the St Kilda Road arts and business district, to the use of cutting-edge safety systems tested in partnership with agencies like CSIRO, every aspect of the project is designed to deliver long-term value to Melbourne’s transport network.

As trial operations continue and final stages of testing and staff preparation advance, the Metro Tunnel is a clear example of how major infrastructure, when properly planned and executed, can deliver on its promise to improve daily life for thousands of commuters. With three stations completed, two nearing finalisation, and rigorous commissioning underway, Melbourne is closer than ever to welcoming a new era of fast, frequent and reliable rail transport.

Learn more about the Future Fleet Program in NSW and the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program.