CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles, a subsidiary of Beijing-based CRRC Corporation, wins contract for Australian metro trains. [File Photo: qianhuaweb.com]

A metro project in Melbourne, Australia worth 2 billion AUD (about 1.5 billion USD) has been given in part to CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles, a subsidiary of Beijing-based CRRC Corporation.

The Victorian government project will be completed with the Evolution Rail Consortium, which includes CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles, Downer EDI and Plenary Group. The project plans to build 65 high-capacity metro trains in Melbourne, as the Chinese train manufacturer announced on Saturday, November 26.

CRRC Changchun contributed approximately 45% of the value of the project, and under the deal, the company will design the trains and establish new regional headquarters in Melbourne.

According to the agreement, the first train is expected be in testing by November 2018, ready to enter service in mid-2019. All 65 metro trains will be ready in 2026.

This project is the biggest project in the Australian state's history. Benjamin Haan, managing director of the project, says all new trains will be built in Victoria, with more than 60% local content. The project is also expected to result in at least 1,100 jobs.