Nationals MP Darren Chester has also declined to endorse the view of some Coalition colleagues – that South Yarra station should be included in the project – pointing out that "we need to assess the business case" before passing judgment.

In comments that are likely to be welcomed by Andrews government, Mr Chester has declared he would like to see more infrastructure funding flowing to Victoria, which Labor claims is only getting about 9 per cent of the federal carve-up, despite having the fastest growing population.

"I want to see a fairer share of federal funding making its way to Victoria," said the Infrastructure and Transport Minister, who represents the regional seat of Gippsland, in the state's east.

"We've had massive road projects in Queensland and NSW with the Pacific Highway and the Bruce Highway, and I understand very keenly that my Victorian colleagues are keen to see more projects of that scale supported by the Commonwealth in the future, and I am open to the possibility."

Mr Chester's comments come days into a marathon election campaign, and as state-federal tensions simmer over the funding of the Melbourne Metro Rail Project – a $10.9 billion cross-city tunnel designed to take some pressure off the city's overcrowded trains.

However, weeks after state Treasurer Tim Pallas announced he was prepared to "go it alone" in financing the tunnel, Mr Chester rejected suggestions that "we weren't willing partners in that project", signalling that more money could be offered, should the Coalition win the election.

"The Melbourne Metro Project is one that we need to have further discussions on, because I was disappointed by some of the commentary from senior ministers after the state budget that we had dragged our heels," he said. "I'm hoping that we can work more productively on that project in the future."

In a broad-ranging interview ahead of the July 2 poll, the transport minister also:

Urged Victoria to present more projects with strong business cases to the Commonwealth "and give me an opportunity as a federal minister to partner them".

Suggested that one such project could be the so-called "north-east link" from the Ring Road at Greensborough to Eastlink, which state Liberal leader Matthew Guy has already vowed to take to the next Victorian election.

Vowed to do more to reduce road trauma in Australia, which he said was costing the nation about $27 billion.

Placed himself slightly at odds with Assistant Treasurer Kelly O'Dwyer​, who is pushing for South Yarra station, in her electorate of Higgins, to be part of the Metro Rail project.

"We can keep adding lanes to freeways in Melbourne, or we can create opportunities by working with business and industry for more people to live in the regional centres," he said.

With weeks until the federal election, infrastructure funding remains delicate issue for the government, particularly in Victoria where several seats – such as Corangamite, Deakin and LaTrobe – hang in the balance.

This month's federal budget put $857 million towards the Melbourne Metro Rail Project, however, Victoria argues it was not a new investment because the money was always expected through the Commonwealth's asset recycling scheme once the Port of Melbourne was privatised.

The federal budget also confirmed $1.5 billion for hand-picked projects such as upgrades to the Monash Freeway and the M80 Ring Road, but each commitment requires the state to match Canberra's funding before the money can flow.

Mr Chester said he was confident an agreement would be reached. The Coalition still supported the East West Link as well, he said, but "rather than get stuck in the past, I'm determined to work with ministers today on the projects that we can agree on."