Project Profile: Victoria’s High Capacity Metro Trains (HCMT)

Victoria’s High Capacity Metro Trains (HCMT) project is a transformative infrastructure initiative designed to significantly increase passenger capacity and modernize services on Melbourne’s busiest rail corridors. The project integrates the procurement of 65 new high-capacity rolling stock units with extensive network upgrades, including a new maintenance depot, signaling enhancements, and station modifications.

Technical Specifications

The core of the project is the deployment of 65 seven-car HCMT units. Based on the proven MTR A-Type train design, each unit provides a 20% capacity increase over previous models, accommodating 1,380 passengers with 28 wheelchair spaces. Final assembly is conducted at Downer Group’s upgraded Newport facility, designated a “Centre of Excellence for Rolling Stock,” with a mandated local content contribution exceeding 60% ANZ. Key components, including bogie frames by Hofmann Engineering, are integrated locally.

Accommodating these longer trains necessitated substantial infrastructure modifications across the Cranbourne-Pakenham line. This included platform extensions at 13 stations, construction of new longer platforms, removal of nine level crossings, and rebuilding 70km of overhead power lines. Power systems were enhanced via upgrades to 20 substations. A dedicated, state-of-the-art maintenance and stabling depot was constructed at Pakenham East, featuring a high-tech driver training simulator and capacity for 30 trains, ensuring high fleet availability.

Key Takeaways

• Public-Private Partnership Success: The project successfully leveraged a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with the Evolution Rail consortium to finance, design, build, and maintain the new fleet, effectively distributing risk and integrating private sector expertise.
• Significant Capacity Uplift: The HCMTs deliver a 42% capacity increase along Melbourne’s southeastern corridor, directly addressing population growth and alleviating peak-hour congestion for approximately 11,000 additional passengers.
• Local Industry Development: With over 60% local content, the project revitalized Victoria’s rolling stock manufacturing capabilities, creating an estimated 1,100 full-time jobs and establishing a long-term skills base at the Newport and Pakenham East facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When did the High Capacity Metro Trains start running?
The first High Capacity Metro Train entered passenger service on the Pakenham line in December 2020. The fleet was progressively rolled out across the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines, with full integration into the network, including the Metro Tunnel, occurring in subsequent years.

Who is building the High Capacity Metro Trains for Victoria?
The High Capacity Metro Trains are being delivered by the Evolution Rail consortium under a public-private partnership with the Victorian Government. This consortium is a joint venture comprising infrastructure investor Plenary Group, Australian construction firm Downer Group for local assembly, and rolling stock manufacturer CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles.