Rail line commitment welcomed ahead of Tuesday's Federal budget

Work will start within the next 12 months on further upgrading Warrnambool's train line so patrons can enjoy faster and more comfortable trips, Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan says.

Speaking after Wannon MP Dan Tehan told The Standard exclusively on Sunday the Morrison government would commit $208 million in tonight's federal budget to the line, Ms Allan said the state would provide an extra $52 million.

"This next stage of works will see around 50 level crossings upgraded, enable additional stabling capacity at Warrnambool and also enable VLocity trains to run on the track," she said.

"This is all about being able to provide more services on the more modern VLocity trains and reduce travel time between Warrnambool and Melbourne."

Ms Allan in January did not know when the track would be ready for the faster trains, saying the line was "in much worse condition than what was initially anticipated".

Rail Projects Victoria identified improved train detection technology was needed at more than 50 level crossings as part of the business case for these latest works, which come after a $260m first stage.

Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell has welcomed the Federal Government's $208 million investment in the Warrnambool rail line.

Ms Britnell said while the state government was focused on pumping millions of dollars into infrastructure that would only benefit those living in the city - it was the federal Liberal Government which was investing in regional areas that the state government had forgotten.

"What this shows is it's the Federal Government who are listening, who are investing in projects across the whole state, not just on tunnels and level crossings in Melbourne," she said.

"(Member for Wannon) Dan Tehan and I speak regularly, and the rail line is always towards the top of our list - I'm so pleased that the Federal Government has listened to the community and has made this much needed commitment.

"It will mean a safer, smoother and more reliable trip for south-west passengers and allow for modern, fast V/Locity trains to run on the line for the first time."

Ms Britnell said this funding was on top of extensive Federal Government funding already committed to the first stage upgrade of the line.

"The Federal Government is funding the lion's share of the upgrade of the Warrnambool line, a state government asset," she said.

"It again shows that Daniel Andrews and the Labor Government are absent in regional Victoria and particularly in South West Coast.

"Daniel Andrews is acting like the Premier for Melbourne and is forgetting there is life beyond the tram tracks.

"Thankfully we have a Federal Government that understands the need to unlock the regions and invest in critical infrastructure that will not only support the economy but make regional areas more accessible and livable."

On Sunday funding of $260 million was announced ahead of Tuesday's Federal Government budget for the second stage of the Warrnambool rail line upgrade.

Mr Tehan said the project would deliver further upgrades to the Warrnambool rail line to complement more than $100m the federal government injected into the first stage.

The upgrades will include track works to improve the ride quality, reliability and resilience of the line for passenger and freight rail services.

"These works will also assist with the introduction of modern VLocity-class trains onto the Warrnambool rail line and maximise the benefits of the new trains for passengers," Mr Tehan said.

"This is $260m of great news for all those passengers who use the Warrnambool rail line. Getting the line up to speed so it can accommodate VLocity services is something our community has been campaigning for.

"It builds on the $104m the Morrison Government committed for the stage one upgrade and will deliver 640 jobs at a time our economy needs to stimulate job growth."

The funding involves $208 million of Federal Government money, topped up by a $52 million State Government commitment.

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