Residents in Melbourne's south-east are finally getting a train station between Highett and Cheltenham, more than 100 years after the idea was first floated.

The Andrews government is funnelling $21 million from the state's coffers into a train station at Southland to service one of Melbourne's busiest shopping centres.

The idea for a stop between Highett and Cheltenham stations was first floated by local councils in the 1880s when the Frankston line was being built.

The government is promising minimal disruption to Frankston line commuters who have already endured weeks of being forced onto buses due to the removal of several level crossings.