The Australian federal government has announced the cessation of funding for the Inland Rail project, which was to connect Melbourne and Brisbane. Originally projected to be the largest freight rail project in a century, its costs have ballooned to over $45 billion, according to an independent assessment by ACIL Allen. The project, spanning 1,600 kilometers, was intended to create a more resilient freight corridor, promising faster transport and reduced emissions. However, the government has decided to limit construction to the segment between Beveridge in Victoria and Parkes in New South Wales, with completion expected by the end of 2027. Infrastructure Minister Catherine King stated that the decision reflects a need for a more sensible approach to realigning the project. The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), which has faced decades of underinvestment, will now be led by new chair Collette Burke and CEO Sean Sweeney as they refocus the Inland Rail initiative. Concerns about the project's feasibility and cost have been raised by independent reviews, casting doubt on its completion timeline.