Alstom builds first X’Trapolis 2.0 train to replace Melbourne’s Comeng fleet

The first of 25 new X’Trapolis 2.0 trains has been built at Ballarat, the state government announced on Tuesday.

The first train is part of a $986 million spend on the fleet – which will replace the 1980s-era Comeng trains and travel on the Craigieburn, Upfield and Frankston lines – as well as major upgrades to the Craigieburn Train Maintenance Facility.

The release did not mention lead contractor Alstom, instead telling readers that “The Allan Labor Government has built the first of 25 new state-of-the-art trains in Ballarat”.

According to a statement from Victorian transport minister Gabrielle Williams, the trains will have “10 per cent more capacity than the Comeng” at “around 1,225  people” as well as dedicated wheelchair spaces and mixed-use spaces for prams and bicycles.  

“Our investment in these next generation trains will deliver more reliable and smoother journeys for passengers,” said Williams. 

The train will be tested before it takes its first passengers. No date for this was given in the release, but a case study states that “Victorians can expect to see the first X’Trapolis 2.0 trains testing on the network from 2025.”

The news follows an announcement in March that production had commenced. 

The contract with Alstom was signed in May 2021, and has a requirement of a minimum of 60 per cent local content.

According to a statement from Alstom at the time, it followed a “two-year interactive design process” with the Victorian department of transport to design and engineer a rolling stock solution meeting the city’s “unique existing rail infrastructure”.

The government has said that the build is supporting 150 jobs at Alstom and a total of 750 throughout the entire supply chain.

Picture: credit Alstom

Further reading

Victoria calls for train, tram ideas

Production underway on Alstom’s X’Trapolis 2.0 trains

Crunch time for Alstom factory on new train orders