Victoria to Build $34.5B Suburban Rail Loop East After Funding Doubts

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