Bendigo could one day have its own local commuter train service if Labor wins the state election. But the state government says the promise is uncosted and won't deliver any new trains.

Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews has pledged $2 million to set up a Bendigo Metro Rail taskforce, which would advise the government on the feasibility of trains running solely in the goldfields city.

The community has been calling for its own local rail service to deal with increasing population growth and deteriorating transport congestion in Victoria's third largest regional city.

Bendigo sits on the junction of two railway lines to Swan Hill and Echuca and has four train stations, infrastructure the city believes can be used develop its own commuter service.

Labor said regular rail services would run from surrounding suburbs Epsom, Eaglehawk and Kangaroo Flat to the centre of Bendigo. Four services now run between Eaglehawk and Bendigo, and two from Epsom.

"It's more than a few extra rail services. It's a dedicated rail service for Bendigo that will change the face of this city," Mr Andrews said.

"Bendigo is home to some of the fastest-growing areas in regional Victoria. We have to plan for it now."

But Transport Minister Terry Mulder slammed the promise, suggesting people from Bendigo were "fools" if they believed Labor's "totally uncosted promise".

"It's a Metro without moolah," he said.

"The $2 million promised by Labor will not buy any new trains, won't build any new tracks, won't construct any new stations and, importantly, won't run any additional trains."

Bendigo Mayor Barry Lyons welcomed the $2 million promise but hoped more money was on the table if the service was to be delivered.

Cr Lyons said the need for a commuter trains in Bendigo had been identified in a recent city transport planning document.

The report suggested an urban rail system would need its own operator, rolling stock, and maintenance and stabling facilities.

"Clearly further significant funding support from the state government will be needed down the track if this project is to become a reality," he said.

In another day of election promises for marginal regional seats, Premier Denis Napthine visited Ballarat, where he pledged $5 million for a local technology park.

Part of Federation University's CBD campus would be redeveloped as part of the $9 million expansion, which Dr Napthine said would attract more information technology and scientific research businesses to Ballarat.

He said the state government was committed to supporting industry precincts, such as Ballarat Technology Park.

"We believe that this expansion will create 200 new jobs and start new businesses that will start here and grow out and change Ballarat, change the region and change Victoria," he said.

With Bendigo Advertiser and Ballarat Courier