The largest single train track in metropolitan Melbourne will be duplicated under a $750 million state government election pledge to get more commuters on board.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Sunday, that if re-elected in November, eight kilometres of the Cranbourne line will be duplicated from Dandenong allowing trains to run every 10 minutes during peak periods.
"Only Labor will give people in Melbourne's southeast trains every ten minutes on the Cranbourne line with this massive upgrade," he said on Sunday.
More than 1000 jobs are expected to be created during the two-year project which would kick off in 2021.
"This is the longest single track on Melbourne's metropolitan network. The problem is with a single track it causes congestion, it causes delays and it means you can't run more services ... that's why the project we are announcing is needed," Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan told reporters on Sunday.
Under the proposal, tracks would need to be upgraded near Caulfield station and around Dandenong station where the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines separate.
More announcements will come about station infrastructure and parking, Mr Andrews said.
Plus $7 million would go towards planning for a train line extension to Clyde.
The Liberals have already announced plans to extend the line to Clyde by 2022 which Labor says needs to happen after the duplication works.
"You need to duplicate before you can extend to Clyde otherwise you can't get those extra services for any of those communities in that area," Ms Allan said.
The state government has already removed nine level crossings between Caulfield and Dandenong.
Trains will also return to Mernda for the first time in almost 60 years on Sunday, as the South Morang line extension opens six months ahead of schedule.
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