Austria’s Federal Railways (ÖBB) Plan to Invest 3.2 Billion Euros Annually in Railway Expansion
Austria’s Ministry of Transport, led by Minister Peter Hanke, has unveiled an updated framework plan for the ÖBB, outlining a significant investment of approximately 3.2 billion euros per year in the next five years to modernize and expand the country’s rail network.
The plan, which covers the period from 2025 to 2030, focuses on upgrading existing tracks, building new connections and enhancing safety and technology. The investments will be directed towards electrifying lines, expanding stations and improving safety features, with the ultimate goal of creating a more efficient and environmentally friendly rail network.
The Austrian government’s move is a response to the growing demand for sustainable transportation options, with rail travel playing a crucial role in reducing CO2 emissions in the transportation sector. The ÖBB’s plans are also driven by the need to meet the country’s climate goals and reduce its carbon footprint.
Major projects, such as the Brenner Base Tunnel and the Semmering Base Tunnel, are set to continue, with the former expected to be operational by 2032 and the latter by 2030. New projects for 2025 include the construction of the Wien Hütteldorf-Wien Meidling connection and the Ostbahn-Flughafenschnellbahn link.
The ÖBB’s plans for the coming years include the four-track expansion between Wien Meidling and Mödling, as well as the renovation of the Rothenthurn station, both set to begin in 2026. The Pielachtunnel in Melk is expected to be completed in 2027, followed by the four-track expansion of the Linz-Kleinmünchen-Linz Hauptbahnhof line in 2028. The following year, work is scheduled to start on the Brenner Nordzulauf, the Neubau of the Neumarkt-Köstendorf-Salzburg line and the Streckenausbau between Absdorf-Hippersberg and Siegmundsherberg, among other projects.