THE Rail Revival Alliance has accused Infrastructure Victoria of “bureaucratic arrogance” after the independent body described a connected rail route from Bendigo to Geelong as economically unviable.

In a report studying more than 200 potential projects for Victoria for the coming 30 years, Infrastructure Victoria stated that even with a surge in population growth, the cost of connecting the regional centres would continue to outweigh the benefits.

Scott Ramsay, of the Rail Revival Alliance, said passenger and freight rail from Geelong through to Bendigo could work, if it was given time.

“Rail lines all the way from Bendigo to Geelong would substantially increase the economies of the regional centres and towns, and give greater mobility for country people,” he said.

“If they only considered a passenger service, then they are ignorant of what is happening in southern New South Wales. They want access to the Geelong port.

“I think the report showed a measure of bureaucratic arrogance and is another example of city people thinking they know what’s best for people in the country.”

The report, titled All Things Considered, stated other options should be considered to greater connect regional cities through public transport.

Buses, as well as taxis and hire cars, were more viable options, the report stated. The electrification of regional train lines was also considered as a possible viable option.

Passenger services connecting Maryborough, Ballarat and Geelong are already in existence.

Major works would be needed to create a link between Maryborough and Castlemaine, while funding would also need to be put towards road crossings between Ballarat and Geelong.

A rail freight hub has also been proposed at Marong, which could act as a link between farming regions in southern New South Wales and the southern ports.

Mr Ramsay said the costs of the project had been continually overstated.

“You only need to look at Maryborough to see what can be achieved. They said rail would never come back to Maryborough, but here it is today,” he said.

“The road between Ballarat and Geelong is becoming increasingly congested, and we’re seeing a population shift from Geelong to the Golden Plains areas.”

Infrastructure Victoria has called for feedback, with a survey available at yoursay.infrastructure.com.au.