Victorian Premier Commits to $34.5B Suburban Rail Loop East After Pause Speculation

Victorian Premier Ben Carroll confirmed on 24 August 2026 the government will proceed with SRL East, a 26 km underground rail line linking Cheltenham and Box Hill. The decision ends speculation ignited in July when Carroll declined to rule out redirecting the project's funds. He pledged cost cuts of roughly 6%, targeting about $32.3 billion from a maximum $34.5 billion.