THE return of passenger trains between Ballarat, Geelong and Bendigo has moved a step closer.Honouring a pre-election commitment, the government has announced a $2 million Rail Revival Study into linking the three regional centres by rail via Meredith, Maryborough and Castlemaine.Transport Minister Terry Mulder said yesterday contracts had already been awarded to a number of specialist consultants.“This two-year study is a key step in linking Geelong, Ballarat, Maryborough, Castlemaine and Bendigo by train,” Mr Mulder said. “It is part of the government’s plan to provide improved travel options for 400,000 residents in the Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo areas.”The study will look at upgrading the rail line between Geelong, Ballarat, Castlemaine and Bendigo for passenger trains and reopening the line between Maryborough and Castlemaine. It will also look at using disused railways stations along the tracks, including Bannockburn, Lethbridge, Meredith, Lal Lal, Carisbrook and Newstead.“The consultants will examine existing and future passenger rail infrastructure including stations, passing loops and signalling, and local residents’ views will be important,” Mr Mulder said.“Victoria’s rural population will continue to grow. It is important the study considers possible future development or changes to transport along the corridor.”Passenger trains between Geelong and Ballarat were decommissioned in 1978, with the line now primarily used as a freight route to north-west Victoria.Services between Ballarat and Maryborough finished in 1993 but began again last year with the opening of the new Creswick station. The Maryborough-Castlemaine line also closed down in 1978.The line between Castlemaine and Bendigo is operational but has capacity restrictions due to some single line sections.