Suche
Mein Konto
ÖBB invests 414 million euros: rail modernization for Vienna progresses!
Heiligenstadt: ÖBB is investing 414 million euros in modernizing the rail network in 2026. Important route closures and new residential projects announced.
ÖBB invests 414 million euros: rail modernization for Vienna progresses!
The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) have big plans for the coming years, not only in Vienna but also beyond. A new modernization program will be continued in eastern Austria from 2026 with investments of around 414 million euros. This was explained by Peter Hanke, Federal Minister, who emphasized the importance of the projects for the mobility transition and economic development. At the same time, Andreas Matthä, CEO of ÖBB, emphasized the need to make the railway infrastructure more efficient. This will be done through comprehensive services and modernized stations in order to serve travelers in the best possible way. presse-oebb.at reports that ...
Significant changes are also imminent for the heavily frequented S-Bahn main line in Vienna: The section between Vienna Praterstern and Vienna Floridsdorf will be closed for construction work in the summer of 2026, followed by a main closure between Vienna Central Station and Vienna Praterstern, which will begin in September 2026 and should last until October 2027. During the construction period, comprehensive rail replacement services will be offered to accommodate commuters. It will be interesting to see how the planned adjustments will improve the capacity and safety of rail transport.
Renewals and expansion measures
Another exciting point is the planned introduction of the European Train Control System Level 2 (ETCS), which is intended to increase not only safety but also the efficiency of the entire system. ÖBB is also committed to reinvesting and maintaining existing infrastructure such as the S45 suburban line. In addition, track construction work and modernizations are planned at several stations. The so-called “Klederinger loops” are intended to create an intersection-free connection between the S7 and the Ostbahn and thus significantly improve traffic flow.
“Construction kit” for living space and freight transport
The ÖBB not only contributes to mobility, but also to the creation of living space: around 20,000 apartments are being built on former railway sites, of which around 12,300 are subsidized. Another focus is on the expansion of the Vienna South freight center, where terminal capacity is to be increased by 44%. This shows that ÖBB also acts as a regional economic engine to secure and create jobs.
Investments in Styria
ÖBB is planning to invest 3.4 billion euros in the Styrian railway network by 2029. In addition to the electrification of the Styrian Eastern Railway by 2030, this also includes the barrier-free conversion of the Mixnitz-Bierenschützklamm train station and numerous modernization measures on various routes.
A step into the future
The framework plan, which serves as the federal government's financing instrument, envisages investments totaling 19.7 billion euros from 2025 to 2030. This is intended to ensure stability, quality and increased capacity of the rail network. With this basis, ÖBB is pursuing a clear vision: environmentally friendly, digital and modern railway operations. [infrastructure.oebb.at shows that...](https://infrastructure.oebb.at/de/projekte-fuer-oesterreich/ framing plan)
Ultimately, the existing infrastructures are optimized not only for punctuality, but also for safety. The ÖBB is one of the safest and most punctual railways in Europe, and these new projects will further strengthen this reputation. Travelers can therefore look forward to a future-proof rail system that will bring many advantages in the coming years.