Another 36,000 apartments would be built near train stations on Sydney's Bankstown rail line in the next 20 years, as the Baird government signals its intent to encourage development along another inner west corridor.

The development of new unit blocks near 11 stations including Marrickville, Canterbury, Campsie, Belmore and Bankstown would coincide with the conversion of the train line to a "metro" system linking to a new rail line through the city.

Artist's impression of Bankstown, post-development. Credit:Department of Planning and Environment

But plans released on Wednesday also include the provision of some new road upgrades, small parks and cycling routes that include the long talked-about inner west "greenway" from the Cooks River to the southern edge of the city.

"The enhanced public transport network is the catalyst for new growth and development along the corridor," Planning Minister Rob Stokes said.