During an announcement yesterday that trains would return to Stawell from today, Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder said the Coalition government was also planning for the resumption of passenger rail between the three major regional cities.

Mr Mulder said the planned rail service between Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo would cover a cross-country route via Meredith, Maryborough and Castlemaine.

He said these plans were part of the government's commitment to improving public transport services and connections for people in country Victoria.

Mr Mulder announced yesterday trains would return to Stawell, with an entire carriage of The Overland available for passengers travelling within Victoria at V/Line fares.

He said that from today The Overland train, which operates three weekly return rail services between Melbourne and Adelaide, would make an extra stop at Stawell. An upgrade of Stawell Railway Station was completed this month to allow for the return of passenger rail services.

This upgrade included platform resurfacing, new lighting and seating on the platform, car park works and provision of a coach stop.

"The return of trains to Stawell will mean residents have improved public transport connections to other towns in western Victoria including Nhill, Horsham, Dimboola and Ararat, as well as improved connections to Melbourne," Mr Mulder said.

"Tourism and the local economy will receive a great boost with The Overland bringing many interstate and international passengers to the area each week."

"Passengers in western Victoria will have access to up to 60 seats on all Overland trains," Mr Mulder said.

"This means more people can travel between country towns in western Victoria and connect to Melbourne at standard V/Line fares."