The state government won’t commit to a time frame for the roll-out of works that were projected to begin  midway through 2016.

The project was originally budgeted as a free Wi-Fi service for V/Line trains under the former Liberal government but eventually scrapped in favour of a plan to address black spots along the Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Seymour and Traralgon lines.

"It is anticipated that contracts will be awarded and construction of the mobile towers will commence in mid-2016," a government spokeswoman told The Age last December.

The Courier contacted the office of Small Business, Innovation and Trade Minister Philip Dalidakis for a progress report on Monday.

A spokesperson for Mr Dalidakis confirmed the tender process was not complete, but did not address questions on when construction on the towers would start and finish, how many would be placed on the Ballarat line and where they would be located.

“The procurement process is underway and the government is currently working with all three mobile carriers on detailed technical and construction aspects, including where and when construction of the new mobile towers begins,” the spokesperson said.

Telstra, Optus and Vodafone received details of in-train blackspots as part of the request proposal which ended in June and are still working with the government on construction aspects.

A tender announcement is expected late this year.

Committee for Ballarat chair Janet Dore said improved cell service on the rail line remains a “top priority”.

“Any whispers of delays are extremely disappointing,” she said.

“We’re treated as a third-world country. I’ll settle for continued 3G coverage instead of 4G. That’s all we’re asking for.”

Ballarat MP Joshua Morris blasted the handling of the project.

“The Andrews government promised to fix the mobile phone black spots on Ballarat V/Line services and after having had nearly two years to deliver on this promise, nothing has happened,” he said.

“So far no announcements have been made, no infrastructure has been built, not a single V/Line black spot has been eliminated and commuters have been left in the dark.”

A daily commuter on the Ballarat line said the worst black spots are between Melton and Bacchus Marsh, Bacchus Marsh and Ballan and Ballan and Ballarat.

“We understand the government has promised to fix it with new phone towers, but this needs to be fast tracked,” they said.

“The Ballarat line is booming in terms of patronage and we can't be expected to operate in the dark ages for ever. It's time for less media releases and more phone towers.”

Public Transport Users Association Ballarat convener Ben Lever said the black spots make the daily commute an unappealing prospect for many.

“At the moment, the coverage is really unreliable between Melton and Warrenheip, which is about two thirds of the journey,” Mr Lever said.

“An hour in the morning and an hour in the evening really adds up to a lot of valuable time, particularly for those who commute every day.

“One of the advantages of taking the train instead of driving is the ability to get work done while you travel – but when your signal keeps dropping out, it makes you a lot less productive.”