Delay in the connecting railway: Starting starts again!

Delay in the connecting railway: Starting starts again!

Meidling, Österreich - The expansion of the connecting railway between Hütteldorf and Meidling, one of the most important infrastructure projects by the Vienna Verkehrsbetriebe, is once again on the brink. As the The press will no longer start to start this year. The reasons for this delay are complex and are primarily related to ongoing opposition procedures that are over more than three years. The modernization of the connecting railway is originally intended to enable a continuous 15-minute cycle for the S80 S-Bahn line, but the complicated approval processes bring the plans to the

ÖBB-Infrastructure AG is forced to withdraw preparations and tenders already made in the amount of around 30 million euros. A complete start of construction was scheduled for September 2025, but this cannot now be met. The previous judicial discussion at the Federal Administrative Court (BVWG) alone shows how fixed the situation is. The court has so far not lifted the suspensive effect of complaints, which means that the permits required have to be long in coming.

reasons for the delay

The city of Vienna, represented by mobility councilor Ulli Sima, expresses sharp criticism of the long approval process. It calls the situation a "massive setback" for mobility in the city. A complete renovation of the existing infrastructure, including the Vienna River Bridges, could cause costs of up to 100 million euros, while the citizens' initiatives that defend themselves against the project have already invested large sums in resistance.

A central point of dispute are the plans for the route: While the ÖBB rely on an above -ground variant, project opponents demand a deeper route. The concerns are not unfounded, because the planned freight trains - up to 55 a day - would also significantly influence the quality of life of the residents. Many citizens also do not feel involved in the planning, criticize a lack of say and concealed design competitions.

What is at stake?

In connection with the delay, the implementation of other important projects within the Vienna S-Bahn network is also questioned, including the urgently needed 2-line S-Bahn ring of the lines S45 and S80. The planned expansion of the connecting railway is to attract an additional 20,000 passengers every day, which is why the modernization is considered a key project for mobility in the city.

The ÖBB had rely on the positive results of the environmental impact assessment and the nature conservation permits, which were granted in 2022. However, the persistent legal disputes currently make implementation impossible. In addition, the complexity of the project, combined with a variety of say and concerns from the residents, ensures further delays and uncertainties.

whether and when the project really gets rolling remains to be seen. An end to the legal arguments is to be expected in autumn 2025 at the earliest, as reported to the today . The situation remains tense and the Viennese must continue to be patient.