The federal government will commit $2 billion in the upcoming budget to fast rail links to ease congestion in major population centres across the country.
The centrepiece of the spending will be a link between Melbourne and Geelong, cutting the run to 32 minutes, with construction to begin in 18 months, the Herald Sun reports.
It will be part of the prime minister's 20-year fast rail plan, with five new business cases to be initiated nationwide at a cost of $40 million. A new National Fast Rail Agency will oversee the project.
"This is all part of our plan to manage population growth that I announced this week, to take the pressure off our big cities like Melbourne and make our regional cities like Geelong even more attractive places to live and work," the Prime Minister said.
"As our population grows, fast rail networks are crucial to easing the congestion pressures in our cities and shaping Australia's future."
