July 23rd, 2025Biowash for regional trains

Regional trains are back in service sooner with a new state-of-the-art biowash now open, as work continues on a major upgrade of the South Dynon Train Maintenance Facility.

Stage 1 of the upgrade was completed in early 2024 and included improving maintenance roads, upgrading power to the site, new CCTV and lighting to make it safer and new tracks for more efficient train movements.

The biowash is one of two across the regional network and is a critical part of maintenance operations at South Dynon to enable V/Line trains to return to service sooner to run passenger services.

Previously, trains requiring biowashing shared the standard train wash at the South Dynon facility. The new standalone biowash will reduce the time taken to biowash a three-carriage unit, with capacity to wash five trains a day.

Biowash facilities are used to clean trains after animal strikes occur, with V/Line experiencing a higher-than-normal number of animal strikes in recent months, resulting in more trains needing to be bio-washed and in some cases, requiring maintenance due to damage.

The South Dynon Train Maintenance Facility was purpose built in 1961 to service the state’s trains and is being upgraded to meet growing demand, as more VLocity trains from this fleet come into service.

Stage 2 of the South Dynon Train Maintenance Facility Upgrade will include a new wastewater treatment plant, upgraded train wash and refuelling facilities, track reconfiguration, and new staffing and security infrastructure. An under-floor wheel lathe is also being installed at the Alstom-operated facility to maintain the wheels of V/Line trains.