Three trains pulled a 1.5-kilometre multipurpose train as a trial for regular administrations among Merbein and the Port of Melbourne. The train, run by Pacific Public, included 86 carts.
As per a statement from the Victorian government, the more extended, heavier train can pull roughly 4,000 tons of cargo without requiring additional trains and train groups.
“We’re laying the groundwork now for this and other services to grow as part of our long-term strategy and commitment to move more freight by rail and reduce the number of trucks on roads,” Victorian minister for ports, Melissa Horne, said.
Longer trains are to work during peak seasons to move higher volumes of produce like table grapes and citrus from the Sunraysia Region, taking more trucks off regional and metropolitan streets.
The service is a partnership between V/Line, cargo administrator Pacific Public and cargo forwarder Seaway Intermodal, whose administration is profiting from a stronger organisation with longer sidings, upgraded track and higher hub loads.
“Our investments mean operators can capitalise on spare capacity from existing services and run longer, heavier intermodal and bulk grain services – that’s great news for operators and producers,” Horne added.
The government authority said every year the train known as the Fruity carriers about $450 million worth of green produce on three return benefits week after week from Merbein near Mildura to the Port of Melbourne.
Trains are also moving commodity grain from Yelta, northwest of Mildura, for the first time in four years.