The Flemington Racecourse rail line will not be used for anything other than race days for the foreseeable future, the Andrews government says. Even if the Victoria Racing Club gets its way and is allowed to build three residential towers close by.

If the racecourse rail line was used for daily commuter services – an idea floated by the VRC as part of its massive residential development – it would badly impact Craigieburn and Upfield line commuters, Public Transport Victoria says.

Peter Tyrell is one of several residents in the area opposed to the Victoria Racing Club's apartments plan for Flemington Racecourse. Credit:Penny Stephens

To justify building three apartment towers next to the racecourse, the VRC floated putting into permanent service Flemington Racecourse railway station – now used only for events like the Melbourne Cup.

But Public Transport Victoria says that while running trains "may appear beneficial", it would have "a number of operational and infrastructure issues".