Welcome to the Melbourne - Sydney Rail Corridor Upgrade Project.

This site provides you with detailed information about the project including the partners involved, the works to be undertaken and the key benefits that the program will bring to the freight industry and to the Australian economy.

The Melbourne - Sydney Rail Corridor Upgrade Project was launched after a review of the rail network between Melbourne and Sydney by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC).

The review identified a range of issues with rail operations on the Melbourne - Sydney corridor that affect the competitiveness and market share of rail transport in the freight haul and distribution industry. To address these issues, ARTC sought partners to deliver improvement works in an Alliance arrangement. The South Improvement Alliance (SIA) was formed to plan, design and deliver a range of improvements along the rail corridor.

The South Improvement Alliance (SIA) contract was signed on 28th October 2005. Planning works have commenced and the Program is scheduled for completion in late 2008.