ÖBB has provided an update on projects contained within its new 2025-2030 framework, which will see an annual figure of over 3.2 billion EUR invested into the national rail network over the next five years.
The framework plan, worth 19.7 billion EUR, will see the administrator invest in a large number of nationwide infrastructure projects to benefit both the stability and quality of the network, as well as increase capacity and commit a total 4.7 billion EUR toward maintenance, repair, servicing, and troubleshooting.
Projects set to be funded as part of the framework include works on the Semmering & Brenner Base Tunnels, as well as the implementation of a four-track western line and the continued modernisation of the Vienna S-Bahn.
Funding has also been allocated for works related to the Traisentalbahn, Kamptalbahn, Erlauftalbahn and Puchbergerbahn in Lower Austria, the Mattigtalbahn in Upper Austria and the Styrian Western and Eastern Railway in Styria.
ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä, said:Investments in the expansion and maintenance of railway infrastructure are an important contribution to a strong economy and contribute to crisis and climate resilience. Given the challenging budgetary situation, however, it goes without saying that ÖBB also contributes.
However, it is important to me to emphasise that every railway project started will be completed and that we will maintain our course of railway expansion.
ÖBB has also re-affirmed that the Koralm Railway is set to begin operations in 2025, with the operator carrying out a full review on each project in conjunction with the Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMI IMI) to ensure minimal disruption to passenger services.
As a result, ÖBB has stated that a small number of projects will either see delays or extended projection times, including the Eastern Railway’s Airport Express Line connection (Klederinger Schleife, Lower Austria), the new line between Köstendorf and Salzburg (Salzburg) and works set to be carried out in the Enns Valley (Salzburg/Styria).
Mobility Minister Peter Hanke, said:Investments in rail will remain at a very high level in the coming years. We will invest a total of almost 20 billion euros in rail expansion by 2030. With every euro of these investments, we will massively advance the mobility transition and also strengthen the domestic economy. And more good news: every newly ordered train will be put on the rails, thus increasing passenger comfort.
Investigations are set to be launched into the under-utilisation of regional railways, despite increases in passenger demand, in order to address disproportionate costs, with the operator stating it will be developing ‘new approaches’ for public transport separate from the main routes.
Locations included in the review for an alternative system include the Mühlkreis, Hausruck and Almtal Railway in Upper Austria, as well as the Thermal Railway in STMK, which could be set to receive an alternative bus route with an equivalent frequency.
