Plenary Group has announced that strong progress is being made on the AUD2.4 billion (US$1.61 billion) High Capacity Metro Trains project in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The project has achieved the milestone of more than half of the 70-train order now operating. 38 trains are already in use, 10 more are entering service and 4 are in production at the Newport railyards in Melbourne's west.

The trains are being phased into service on the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines since 2020. The Cranborne/Pakenham Corridor will be operated exclusively using the HCMT fleet by the end of 2022. After the opening of the Metro Tunnel in 2025, the trains will run through to Sunbury and upon expected completion of the Melbourne Airport Rail project in 2029, will also run to Melbourne Airport.

The Evolution Rail consortium, comprising Plenary Group, Downer and CRRC is responsible for the production, commissioning and operations of 70 trains and two maintenance facilities. The consortium is contracted to maintain the trains for a further 30 years.