Building rail maintenance facilities sustainably.
The Victorian Government’s High Capacity Metro Train (HCMT) project was the first all-new metro train design in Victoria in 20 years.
The Evolution Rail consortium designed and constructed a state-of-the-art heavy maintenance and stabling depot at Pakenham East and a light service facility at Calder Park.
The project included the design, manufacture, and supply of 70 High Capacity Metro Trains for Melbourne’s rail network.
The facilities delivered enabled the operation and maintenance of the new fleet, supporting train servicing, stabling, and testing requirements.
The HCMT project achieved an Excellent sustainability rating from the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia and incorporated 90% local content, setting a new benchmark for the Australian infrastructure sector.
The project addressed the evolving needs of communities, supported regional growth, created high-skill jobs, and fostered a globally competitive export industry.
Scope
The project was split into two major delivery components, infrastructure and fleet. For infrastructure it was the design and construction of a state-of-the-art $2.3 billion maintenance facility in Pakenham, VIC, and the design and construction of a Light Service Facility at Calder Park.
The scope of works included:
- A 17,000 m² Train Maintenance Facility, designed and delivered to maintain 65 HCMT car sets inclusive of operational stabling for 30 HCMT car sets.
- Installation of 500 m of slab track and 300 m of plain line construction.
- Four elevated roads and one lift road with amenities that included offices and storage areas.
- Installation of state-of-the-art specialist equipment such as a Wheel Lathe, a bio and graffiti cleaning facility and train wash.
- A test track and an integrated testing facility (ITF).
- Construction of 20 kilometres of track, incorporating a 10-road stabling yard, traction power and overhead wiring systems, along with stormwater drainage, civil, and landscaping works.
17,000m2
17,000 m2 Train Maintenance Facility
15%
15% project hours delivered by apprentices, trainees and cadets.
500m
Installation of 500 m of slab track and 300 m of plain line construction.
1,100
1,100 local jobs.
1 million
The project team accomplished one million working hours long-term-injury (LTI) free.
Social impact
The project generated lasting social value through local jobs, skills development and safe, responsible delivery.
This included:
- The Pakenham East Depot achieved more than 87% local content during construction, engaging Victorian suppliers, fabricators, and contractors.
- The project created more than 1,100 local jobs, including ongoing roles in operations and maintenance.
- Over 15% of total project hours were delivered by apprentices, trainees, and cadets, providing opportunities for skill development in advanced manufacturing, rail systems, and engineering.
- Long-term environmental impacts on surrounding communities were reduced by recycling efforts and waste minimisations.
- In 2018, the project team accomplished one million working hours long-term-injury (LTI) free.
This project was delivered by the Downer Transport Projects business which operated from December 2014 – June 2023 as part of Downer EDI Works Pty Ltd. In June 2023, DT Infrastructure Pty Ltd acquired the assets of the Downer Transport Projects business, including the transfer of approximately 1,200 employees, intellectual property rights, plant and equipment and other assets, and the novation of a number of projects which were ongoing at the time of the acquisition.