The METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line in Perth, Western Australia (WA), has reached a construction milestone with the completion of track laying and the opening of its second station.  

The newly completed Malaga Station, set to be formally named Ballajura Station, follows the earlier completion of Ellenbrook Station and the April opening of Bayswater Station.  

Extending across Perth's north-eastern suburbs, the METRONET project now includes 21km of new rail track, paving the way for the electrification process scheduled for the following month.  

This advancement is in preparation for the upcoming train testing phase. 

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said: “The METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line is powering towards completion, and when it opens later this year it will slash travel times for people across our north-eastern suburbs. 

“Communities in our growing north-east corridor have been crying out for better public transport options, and I am incredibly proud that our government is making that a reality. Our government made a commitment to deliver this rail line and, by the end of this year, passengers will be able to jump on board the first trains.” 

The A$1.65bn ($1.07bn) METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line is being funded by the country's national and state governments.

It begins at the new Bayswater Station and includes additional stations at Morley, Noranda, Malaga, Whiteman Park, and Ellenbrook.  

The line offers a 21-minute journey to Perth city, connecting surrounding suburbs to high-quality, affordable public transport. 

The line features a 12-stand bus interchange and 1,100 parking bays and is expected to catalyse the development of thousands of new housing options in WA.

Work is also complete on the Ballajura footbridge, ensuring safe passage for pedestrians and cyclists from the residential areas west of Tonkin Highway to the new station.