High-speed rail link would be viable A high-speed train running down the east coast of Australia and then across to Melbourne would cost $114 billion to build but would eventually pay its way, carrying 84 million passengers a year. After decades of debate, a landmark study commissioned by the federal government as part of a 2010 deal with the Greens has concluded the controversial project would be viable despite the massive cost, with a proposed route from Brisbane to Sydney and then inland to Melbourne, with connections to Canberra and the Gold Coast. Reaching speeds of up to 350km/h, the rail link would allow passengers to travel from the centre of Melbourne to the heart of Sydney in under three hours. But it would be expensive, with the section between Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne costing $50 billion and Brisbane to Sydney $64 billion in today's dollars. The report, compiled by a group of seven economic and engineering consultants, has estimated the project would require 144 kilometres of tunnel, accounting for 29 per cent of the total cost. Despite the cost, the report found the project would be viable, predicting it would generate enough revenue to meet the massive operating and capital costs without a continuing contribution from taxpayers. Overall, the economic benefits could be significant, with the study finding the project would produce benefits of $2.30 for every $1 invested. It predicted that by 2065, the train could poach 40 per cent of inter-city air travel and 60 per cent of regional air travel, with an average of 83.6 million passengers a year expected to use it. But rail enthusiasts would be unwise to hold their breath. The report said international experience had shown the massive project, involving 1748 kilometres of track and 20 city, suburban and rural stations, would take 15 years to plan and approve. Construction of the entire network would then take about 30 years, with the section from Sydney to Melbourne not completed until 2040. Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese said it would be a "monumental endeavour," calling for the start of a national debate. The report, to be released on Thursday, assumed fares similar to airfares - and warned the potential to attract private-sector investment would be "limited," meaning governments would have to pay.