THE first stop at Wangaratta Railway Station’s new west platform took place when the 7.07am train from Southern Cross to Albury rolled in on Monday.
Passengers disembarked the 9.47am scheduled train after it arrived about four minutes late on the west platform, and travellers heading north towards Albury boarded the carriages.
The multi-million dollar works to the station are nearing completion and the new west platform was a major part of the redevelopment after the old 'dive' platform was filled in.
Local resident Carly Van Schijndel was taking her kids to Albury for a day out and it wasn’t just the platform which was a momentous occasion for her and the kids.
“This is my first time on a train since my kids were born and seeing the new platform for the first time is amazing,” Ms Van Schijndel said.
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“The platform looks great, it’s modern and I feel special to be one of the first people along with my kids to be a part of history.”
Ann Clarke was also getting on the train and she was thrilled as well.
“What a special occasion to be a part of to see history and a milestone be made for Wangaratta,” she said.
Some passengers waiting to catch the train to Albury were seen standing at the southbound platform and had to be ushered over to the west platform.
When told they had to board from the west platform, they made their way through the new pedestrian underpass and up the stairs in the nick of time.
With the pedestrian lift still not operational, an elderly couple said they struggled up the stairs.
The lift is due for completion and commissioning next month.
Inland Rail B2A delivery director Ed Walker said to see passengers stepping off the train on to the new platform is an exciting day for Wangaratta and the Inland Rail project.
“The new platform, pedestrian underpass, carpark and Green St bridge have transformed the station precinct," Mr Walker said.
“It’s now hard to imagine the old east line and the dive were ever there.
“We are close to completion at Wangaratta and we thank the community for their patience and understanding throughout construction.”
