A festive atmosphere filled central Melbourne on Sunday as thousands gathered to mark the long-awaited opening of the Metro Tunnel. Cheering crowds and community festivities turned the event into a citywide celebration.
Premier Jacinta Allan described the Metro Tunnel as a project built on fairness and accessibility, emphasizing its importance for the state’s transport network.
“This is a project for all Victorians – a symbol of fairness and progress,” said Premier Allan.
She highlighted that the new infrastructure would make travel faster and more reliable, connecting communities and easing congestion on existing lines.
The Metro Tunnel project includes five new underground stations, designed to improve connections between key parts of the city and reduce overcrowding on the City Loop. The opening marks one of the most significant transport developments in Victoria’s recent history.
Transport officials noted that trains would begin full operation immediately, with services expected to run more efficiently across the metropolitan network.
Large crowds gathered along key station entrances to witness the first passenger trains. Families, commuters, and rail enthusiasts joined the festivities, reflecting a strong public sense of pride in the project’s completion. Street entertainment and live music added to the carnival atmosphere that spread through the city center.
Officials stated the tunnel would play a crucial role in meeting population growth and encouraging sustainable transport use across Melbourne. Further expansions and upgrades to outer suburban lines are already being considered as part of Victoria’s long-term public transport strategy.
Author’s summary: Thousands celebrated Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel launch as Premier Allan hailed it as a major fairness-focused infrastructure milestone for Victoria’s transport future.