Bendigo train bio-wash completed, ready for animal strikes

The "state of the art" bio-wash has been completed and will now help ease pressure on an expanding number of trains in regional areas, the Victorian government says.

Trains can need extensive cleaning if they hit wild animals or livestock, including internal machinery.

Bendigo's train line has some of the highest number of animal strikes in Victoria and the facility will allow fast turnarounds.

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Trains from other lines that do not need urgent cleaning will also be sent there.

During the busiest seasons, there can be more than 100 animal strikes across the regional network, which can result in service disruptions when trains are sent down to Melbourne for cleaning.

Bendigo's new indoor facility features advanced cleaning equipment and elevated railing, allowing staff to complete thorough inspections and clean all parts of a train before it returns to service.

The facility is expected to clean up trains most nights.

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The bio-wash has been leased to V/Line's train maintenance provider Alstom to manage. The Bendigo Rail Workshops' staff will clean the trains.

Five to eight people will have ongoing jobs at the facility.

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