Melbourne Rail Loop: Alstom to Build Australia’s First Driverless Trains

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – The Victorian State Government has selected the TransitLinX consortium for the landmark AUD 6.7 billion (EUR 3.78 billion) systems contract for the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East project. This major award paves the way for Alstom to manufacture Australia’s first fleet of fully automated Metropolis trains at its facility in Dandenong, Victoria, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s rolling stock industry.

The Victorian Government has formally awarded the comprehensive Linewide Alliance contract for the SRL East to TransitLinX, a consortium comprising industry leaders John Holland, KBR, WSP, RATP Dev, and Alstom. The consortium is tasked with delivering and integrating all essential systems for the 26km twin-tunnel line, including advanced signaling, platform screen doors, and passenger information systems. Alstom’s share of the contract is valued at approximately EUR 1 billion and encompasses the delivery of the rolling stock, installation of digital signaling infrastructure, and a long-term maintenance agreement.

At the heart of the project is a new fleet of 13 four-car Metropolis trains, which will be the most advanced in Australia. These trains will operate at Grade of Automation 4 (GOA4), enabling fully driverless operation. This will be managed by Alstom’s proven Urbalis Forward communications-based train control (CBTC) system, a fully integrated solution designed for high-capacity metro lines. The contract also includes Alstom’s FlexCare Perform maintenance solution for 15 years, covering the trains, signaling, and infrastructure to ensure maximum availability. The fleet will be maintained at a new purpose-built facility in Heatherton, Melbourne.

The SRL East project represents a significant investment in local manufacturing and sustainable transport. The trains’ construction in Dandenong supports Victoria’s skilled workforce and supply chain. The project’s design prioritizes passenger experience and sustainability, with accessible carriages featuring longitudinal seating to maximize space, dedicated areas for wheelchairs and prams, and provisions for future luggage storage for the eventual connection to Melbourne Airport. The entire line, including all six new underground stations between Cheltenham and Box Hill, will be powered by 100% renewable energy, with regenerative braking systems capturing energy to power other trains on the network.

Key Takeaways

• Local Manufacturing Boost: The project secures local jobs by manufacturing Australia’s first automated trains at Alstom’s Dandenong facility, reinforcing sovereign industrial capability.
• Advanced Automation for Melbourne: The introduction of GOA4 driverless technology on a major suburban line marks a significant technological leap for Australian public transport, promising higher frequency and reliability.
• Integrated Systems Contract: The contract bundles rolling stock, signaling, and a 15-year maintenance deal, ensuring a holistic, de-risked approach to system integration and long-term performance.

Editor’s Analysis

The selection of the TransitLinX consortium for the Suburban Rail Loop East highlights a critical global trend in major rail projects: the move towards integrated, turn-key contracts that bundle design, construction, technology, and long-term maintenance. This approach mitigates integration risks for the client and places the onus for whole-of-life performance on the provider. For Alstom, this contract is a major strategic victory, cementing its Metropolis and Urbalis platforms in the competitive Asia-Pacific market. Furthermore, the commitment to local manufacturing in Dandenong demonstrates how global suppliers are successfully adapting to government procurement policies that prioritize sovereign capability and local economic benefits, a model increasingly replicated worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is building the new trains for the Melbourne Suburban Rail Loop?

The TransitLinX consortium is delivering the project, with Alstom specifically responsible for manufacturing the 13 automated Metropolis trains at their Dandenong factory in Australia.

What is GOA4 automation?

Grade of Automation 4 (GOA4) is the highest level of train automation, meaning the trains will operate fully driverless without any staff on board, managed by Alstom’s Urbalis Forward control system.

When will the Suburban Rail Loop East open?

The first trains are scheduled to enter service in 2035 on the 26km eastern section connecting Cheltenham and Box Hill.