Major works as part of the Inland Rail project meant coaches were utilised from Benalla to Southern Cross station in Melbourne.
From August 31, the trains are back along with additional services from Shepparton, which opens up further options for travellers from Yarrawonga.
Commuters will have access to an additional 48 weekly services from Shepparton being introduced on August 23 as part of the long-awaited Shepparton line upgrade.
The increased timetable offers an alternative rail option for Yarrawonga residents travelling from Shepparton, which is about an hour away by road.
The upgrade, originally slated for completion in 2023, was subject to delays with signalling and infrastructure complexities pushing the project back.
Weekday services from Shepparton will increase from five to nine and weekend services from three to five.
The new timetable also offers later services, with the final weekday departure from Shepparton at 8.30pm and from Southern Cross at 9.36pm.
An additional 24 weekend services from Seymour have been added with hourly services operating between 6am and 10pm.
Inland Rail contractors John Holland has been working to reconfigure the Benalla station precinct to allow double-stacked freight containers to travel through the region for the first time.
The works have also included improvements to access for cars and coaches, addressing previous limitations around the station precinct.
The resumption of passenger services will initially look different, with trains departing from a new western platform on the Railway Place side of the station.
The existing eastern platform, once served by the XPT, has been removed, with landscaping in the former car park area.
An Inland Rail spokesperson thanked the community for its patience and cooperation throughout the works.
“The existing V/Line station building will temporarily close and passenger services will be offered from interim facilities on the opposite side of the tracks, off Railway Place,” the spokesperson said.
The temporary facilities will include a ticketing facility, toilets, car parking and a new coach arrival and departure zone.
The full Benalla Station precinct is expected to be completed in the new year.
Customers requiring special assistance are advised to call 1800 800 007 before travelling.
Passengers are encouraged to check timetables and the latest service information through the V/Line app, on V/Line’s X account or by speaking with a V/Line team member on 1800 800 007.
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