More than 100 local and global organisations have put their hand up to deliver the Melbourne Airport Rail Link.

Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan today to announce the outcomes of the Registration of Interest (ROI) – the market engagement process to find the world-leading rail experts that will deliver the ground-breaking project.

The Andrews Labor Government has committed up to $5 billion to build this vital project, which will run from the CBD to Melbourne Airport via Sunshine and form the north-western section of the Suburban Rail Loop.

Over the past four months, Rail Projects Victoria tested market interest from across the professional disciplines needed to deliver the Melbourne Airport Rail Link – including design, engineering, construction and finance.

More than 100 high calibre local and global organisations are keen to be part of this iconic project.

The Labor Government will now assess which organisations have the capability to make the Melbourne Airport Rail Link a reality and begin gauging the interest of potential private sector investors and operators.

The full business case is now underway, with the project set to begin construction by 2022.

Aurecon Jacobs Mott MacDonald Joint Venture (AJM JV) has been appointed as a technical advisor and KPMG has been appointed as a commercial advisor for the Melbourne Airport Rail Link.

AJM JV has a solid record in major infrastructure projects – having worked on major international projects such as London’s Crossrail, Sydney Metro Northwest and Auckland’s City Rail Link, and as the Technical Advisor for the Metro Tunnel project here in Melbourne.

AJM JV have already started site investigations in the Airport Rail Link corridor as part of early planning work.

Ecologists are looking for protected flora and fauna to map the sites. The results from the surveys will be used to support detailed planning and assessments for the Airport Rail Link project.

The Joint Venture is also working on the Western Rail Plan, carrying out detailed investigations of infrastructure upgrades, costs and train requirements to deliver fast rail to the regions as part of the Airport Rail Link.

Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

“We are not wasting a minute in getting this project planned, designed and delivered.”

“The Melbourne Airport Rail Link is the next step in our transformation of Victoria’s public transport network and a key part of the Suburban Rail Loop.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan

“Whether it’s building the Metro Tunnel, removing level crossings or upgrading every regional rail line – we’re delivering the projects Victorians need to get home safer and sooner.”

“The Airport Rail Link will benefit all Victorians – delivering a new super hub at Sunshine and paving the way for fast rail to the regions.”