ÖBB starts construction offensive: railway modernization with investments worth billions!

ÖBB starts construction offensive: railway modernization with investments worth billions!

The fundamental changes in Austria's transport system are in the starting blocks. The ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) have launched an ambitious construction program worth an impressive 19.7 billion euros by 2030. Extensive route closures are expected, especially in the coming months, especially in 2025. Over 1.2 billion euros will flow into network expansion in the eastern region in order to make the rail infrastructure fit for the upcoming mobility transition Exchange Express reported.

The big goal behind these investments? To put more traffic on the rails and at the same time support climate goals. One of the most important projects is the Koralmbahn, which is scheduled to go into operation in December 2025. This connection shortens the travel time between Graz and Klagenfurt to just 45 minutes, which significantly improves accessibility to western Styria and southern Carinthia and also strengthens connections to neighboring countries. When transporting goods, each ton of freight by rail can cause around 30 times less CO2 emissions than by truck transport, which makes the Koralmbahn even more attractive ÖBB infrastructure explained.

Temporary route closures

But the extensive modernizations also bring with them some inconveniences. Important main routes will be temporarily closed, with the four-track expansion of the southern line between Vienna Meidling and Mödling in particular being affected every 5 minutes. This project will lead to timetable changes and rail replacement services until October - the lines REX6, S60 and REX62 are affected. Himberg train station will be completely out of operation until November 2026.

In the period from October 6th to November 2nd, the Arlberg route will be completely closed, while the connection between Ötztal train station and Bludenz will be interrupted for a month. A replacement bus service will be set up here. The Ennstal route in Styria was also closed in early October - buses took over the transport of travelers during this time.

Investments and further projects

The comprehensive investments are an important economic stimulus, especially in times of strained federal budgets. A framework plan has been set at a solid level until 2030. However, some projects could be postponed, without neglecting the expansion of important train stations and accessibility measures. In September 2023, for example, the newly built Ebreichsdorf train station on the Pottendorf line went into operation - a further step towards modernization.

Particular attention is being paid to the Semmering Base Tunnel, whose construction is already in full swing. More than 26 of the 27.3 kilometers of the two-tube tunnel have already been dug here. The electrification of the Marchegger Ostbahn was completed at the end of 2022 and is considered one of the largest electrifications in recent years. All train stations in this area have also been modernized and equipped with Park&Ride and Bike&Ride spaces.

ÖBB advises passengers to regularly find out about current timetables and to proactively support this change. The construction work ultimately represents a step into the future - with the aim of modernizing the railway network and making it even more environmentally friendly. The course has already been set for a comprehensive transport and climate change OurEoebb determines.