Koralmbahn: New job engine for Graz and Klagenfurt in 200 days!

Koralmbahn: New job engine for Graz and Klagenfurt in 200 days!

The Koralmbahn will be put into operation in just 200 days and promises to make commuting between Graz and Klagenfurt much easier. This state-of-the-art connection will link the two cities in just 45 minutes. With 130 kilometers of new line, 50 kilometers of tunnels and over 100 modern train stations, the project is not only one of the most important infrastructure projects in Europe, but also a real stroke of luck for the region. The Koralm Tunnel, the centerpiece, is at 33 kilometers the sixth longest railway tunnel in the world and, with a construction time of 27 years, represents a technical masterpiece ÖBB reported.

But what does this actually mean for the population? The Koralmbahn will not only radically shorten commuting time, but also open up new perspectives for job seekers. With around 1.1 million inhabitants and around 500,000 employed people in the extended Graz-Klagenfurt metropolitan area, this connection makes the geographical barrier that often stands in the way of looking for a job no longer necessary. Yvonne Popper-Pieber, deputy head of the AMS Styria, emphasizes that this new way of thinking will be necessary across state borders when looking for a job. “There is a willingness to commute – especially for employees in the southern Styrian area who want to go to Graz,” says Popper-Pieber.

New horizons for job seekers

The Koralmbahn enables many job seekers to consider job offers outside of their region of residence without having to accept long travel times. According to Peter Wedenig, managing director of AMS Carinthia, Carinthians and Styrians are increasingly willing to work in the other federal state - without living there. The cooperation between AMS Steiermark and AMS Carinthia is intended to ensure that open positions can be filled faster and better.

Those responsible describe the commuter system as a highly interconnected labor market. Barriers to commuting should be reduced through improved infrastructure. “There are no legal hurdles for the extended job search,” explains a source from the AMS. More than two hours of commuting time for a full-time position is legally acceptable. The reality of the job seekers' lives, such as family obligations, is of course also taken into account. It's obvious: the Koralmbahn could act as a game changer.

Regional and European context

But the Koralm Railway is not only important for the region, it also contributes to the general development of cross-border infrastructure in Europe. According to the Federal Ministry of Economics, cross-border investments are crucial to strengthen economically weaker regions and promote growth and employment. A well-developed rail infrastructure is important not only for regional development, but also for the transformation into a digital and green future.

Overall, the development of the Koralmbahn shows how important modern infrastructure is for a future-oriented economy. While the construction project has made gradual progress since 2007, full commissioning in May 2025 will have all eyes on Styria and Carinthia. The opportunities that the Koralmbahn offers are of great importance not only locally, but also regionally and at European level.