Retired V/Line trains revived to boost freight capacity

Ten retired V/Line N-Class locomotives will be repurposed for freight services across Victoria, under a new long-term lease agreement between V/Line and private freight operator Southern Shorthaul Railroad.

The initiative, led by V/Line with support from Freight Victoria, the Department of Transport and Planning, and the Department of Treasury and Finance, is designed to expand Victoria’s rail freight capacity amid rising demand – particularly in grain and intermodal transport.

“With freight volumes expected to increase significantly in coming years, this initiative to repurpose passenger locomotives is an important step in getting more freight onto rail and off local roads,” said Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne.

The move follows the progressive retirement of older passenger trains as VLocity trains take over more regional routes.

Rather than decommissioning the ageing locomotives, the program gives them second life hauling goods across Victoria’s 1600 kilometres of active freight rail.

“This will provide a boost for the freight industry in Victoria, as we see our regional V/Line trains continue to service Victorians by moving freight across our state,” said Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams.

The additional locomotives are expected to improve operational efficiency across the network and support the deployment of longer freight trains.

“We look forward to seeing these locomotives out and about moving product to port, ensuring we continue to grow Victoria’s rail freight business for generations to come,” Horne said.