Melbourne Awards New Over Four Billion SRL Contract to Linewide Alliance for First Phase of Suburban Rail Link Project

Published on December 20, 2025

In a major development for Melbourne’s transport network, the Suburban Rail Loop Authority (SRLA) has awarded a contract worth $A 6.7 billion ($US 4.43 billion) to the Linewide Alliance consortium. The consortium, which includes RATP Dev, John Holland, Alstom, KBR, and WSP, will be responsible for developing and operating the first phase of the city’s ambitious Suburban Rail Link (SRL) project. This initial phase will cover the SRL East, a key 26 km section of the 90 km orbital automated rail line, marking a significant step forward in one of Australia’s largest and most transformative transport projects.

Scope of the Contract

The awarded contract will see the Linewide Alliance consortium responsible for multiple critical components of the SRL East. This includes the fit-out of tunnels, tracklaying, installation of the power supply, and the provision of rolling stock. The consortium will supply 13 four-car metro trains, as well as build and operate depot and maintenance facilities. In addition, the consortium will oversee systems integration for all packages related to the SRL East.

The SRL East section, which will connect the suburbs of Box Hill and Cheltenham, will include six new stations and will be constructed in a twin-bore tunnel. It is part of the larger $A 125 billion Suburban Rail Link project, a crucial development aimed at enhancing Melbourne’s public transport infrastructure. This first phase of the project is expected to cost $A 34.5 billion and is projected to reduce congestion and improve mobility for Melbourne residents.

Project Timeline and Operations

The SRL East is part of the larger vision of a fully automated orbital rail loop that will encircle Melbourne. The completed loop will have four sections and span 90 kilometers, connecting key suburban areas to the city center. The contract for SRL East spans 10 years, with the Linewide Alliance consortium tasked with completing the construction and commissioning of the system.

Once completed, the operation and maintenance of SRL East will be handed over to the TransitLinX joint venture, which comprises RATP Dev and John Holland. This joint venture will be responsible for train and station operations, central control, security, and asset management under a 15-year franchise agreement starting in 2035.

Economic and Employment Benefits

The SRL project is expected to deliver significant economic and employment benefits to the state of Victoria. Thousands of workers are already on-site building the project, with hundreds more soon to begin constructing the metro trains in Dandenong, Australia. Victoria’s Premier, Jacinta Allan, highlighted the project’s job-creation potential, noting, “Thousands of people are already onsite building this massive project, while hundreds will soon start building the trains in Dandenong.”

The Suburban Rail Link is expected to transform Melbourne’s public transport system, offering a faster and more efficient option for residents traveling across the city’s suburbs. By connecting key areas through a seamless and automated rail network, the SRL will help reduce traffic congestion and improve accessibility for passengers.

Challenges and Concerns

Despite the optimism surrounding the project, the SRL has faced scrutiny and concerns about its viability. Earlier this year, Infrastructure Australia advised the Victorian state government to develop an exit strategy for the project, citing potential risks and challenges related to the project’s long-term sustainability and financial feasibility. These concerns have been addressed by the state government, which remains committed to moving forward with the project.

Conclusion

The awarding of the $4.43 billion SRL East contract to the Linewide Alliance consortium marks a critical step in the development of Melbourne’s Suburban Rail Link, one of Australia’s largest infrastructure projects. The project promises to transform the city’s transport network, offering faster, more efficient travel options for thousands of commuters. With a combination of cutting-edge technology, significant economic investment, and the creation of thousands of jobs, the SRL project is set to reshape Melbourne’s future transport landscape. As work progresses on the first phase, the focus will be on delivering the ambitious project on time and on budget, despite the challenges and scrutiny it has faced.