<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Melbourne's train network is under heavy scrutiny after a derailment disrupted services on two of the city's busiest lines. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The lines have now reopened, but the incident has raised questions about the maintenance and condition of ageing infrastructure.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The derailment, involving a metro train with passengers on board, occurred near Clifton Hill. Investigators are focusing on the age of the track and a particularly tight bend. </span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE: </span></strong><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/queensland-plane-crash-oakey/9cf653a4-c84b-4c21-926c-ae00e4c949b8"><strong><span>Light plane was on annual instrument check before deadly crash</span></strong></a><strong></strong></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span></span></strong><span>"The rail alignment really dates back to the 1880s with very few modifications since," transport expert Daniel Bowen said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Concerns have been amplified by the fact that a similar incident occurred in 2016 near Rushall station, where a citybound train also derailed on a tight corner, while commuters have been left frustrated over the lack of significant upgrades to the network.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"We have seen infrastructure around the network refreshed as part of the level crossing removal projects… but there are other parts of the network like around Clifton Hill where not a lot has changed in decades," Bowen said.</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/melbourne-metro-train-network-criticism-maintenance-upgrades/b1d0a69b-d5f8-4ba5-9fb7-4adbcb1a4c5e" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Adding to commuter concerns are persistent speed restrictions on various lines due to signal problems, broken rails, and rough rides. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE: </span></strong><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/police-offer-500k-reward-over-fire-that-killed-completely-innocent-woman/fa6138e8-82be-483a-90d8-73a58e5bf488"><strong><span>Police 'one call away' from cracking case after innocent woman killed in house fire</span></strong></a><strong><span></span></strong></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>These restrictions include a 60km/h limit between Spotswood and Seddon since 2019, an 80km/h limit around Craigieburn and Werribee since 2021, and a 55km/h limit between Richmond and South Yarra since 2023.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Despite commuter concerns, Premier Jacinta Allen has defended Metro Trains.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"We have a safe and strong public transport network that will be made ever stronger in a few months time with the opening of the metro tunnel," she said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The operator insists it is not falling behind on maintenance, citing walking track inspections every 14 days and "ride alongs" every month.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><em><span>This article was produced with the assistance of </span></em><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/technology/9express/16480c33-636a-461f-9c4f-d0e2522c722a"><em><span>9ExPress</span></em></a><em><span>.</span></em></div></div>