ÖBB has announced the completion of track construction work for the 130 km Koralmbahn route, being ready for the commissioning phase, requiring preparation and know-how with test drives and training.
“We are proud of this important milestone and are facing a revolution in public transport. The Koralmbahn opens up a bright future of mobility for the region. From December 2025, our passengers will be able to travel between Graz and Klagenfurt in 45 minutes – environmentally friendly, comfortable and with no chance of a car,” Andreas Matthä, CEO ÖBB, said.
Before the first trains enter commercial operation, several months of testing, measuring, practicing, rehearsing and training are required. In total, more than 70 test runs and around 15,000 test kilometers are planned for the coming year. So-called high-speed runs will take the train over the new route at speeds up to 250 km/h. During acceptance runs every detail will be examined closely. At the same time, the train safety system will be tested and all objects along the route will be checked for influences.
“With the completion of the Koralmbahn route, Styria is moving even further into the centre of Europe. The regions along the route on both sides of the Pack are experiencing a rapid upturn, and the rail connection to and from the important Mediterranean ports is becoming shorter for freight transport. The improved connection to the international rail network is also a significant contribution to climate protection,” Ursula Lackner, State Councillor for Climate Protection and the Environment of Styria said.
The people responsible for the operation are also preparing as best as possible. Train drivers are getting to know the new route in advance in the simulator. And real training trips are also being completed. Rescue workers and fire brigades are practicing a wide variety of operations. In addition, inspections with dispatchers, signal masters, operations managers and experts are on the checklist.
At the same time, the main work at the largest new station of the line – West Styria station – is completed and finishing touches are carried out currently. The West Styria station on the Koralmbahn will finally be completed by spring 2025. This makes it the last big piece of the entire project. In the future, the transport hub will offer nine tracks and a park & ride facility with 450 spaces. In addition, there will be a connection to the cycle path network, infrastructure for e-mobility and access areas for buses and taxis. In this way, West Styria will be optimally linked to the Koralmbahn.
“The climate crisis presents us with major challenges. The Koralmbahn is just the thing. It will convince even more people how easy and fast public transport can be. The Koralmbahn is thus making an important contribution to the mobility transition. As a Styrian, I am doubly pleased about this!” Leonore Gewessler, Federal Minister for Climate Protection, said.
“The completion of the Koralmbahn will bring our two federal states even closer together: into a southern economic area with 1.1 million inhabitants, who will receive a climate-friendly and unbeatably fast mobility offer with the Koralm Railway. The partial commissioning in Carinthia a year ago has already provided a great first foretaste of what is to come,” Gaby Schaunig, Deputy Governor of Carinthia, said.
The construction of Koralmbahn route took 26 years to complete and is scheduled to enter into commercial operation in December 2025, when travel time will take only 45 minutes between Graz and Klagenfurt, efficiently connecting the Styria and Carinthia provinces.
The entire Koralm rail project included the construction of a 130 km railway line of which 50 km in tunnels, of which 33 km in the Koralm Tunnel, as well as more than 100 bridges and 23 stations and stops, of which 12 along the new section of line.
The construction of the Koralm Railway started in 1998 and ten years later, the construction of Koralm tunnel began. In 2023, tests were carried out on the Koralm Railway in Carinthia.
“The Koralmbahn will create a new living and economic area that will have a lasting and positive impact on Styria and Carinthia. Everyone in the region will benefit from this. As part of the new southern route, the Koralm Railway strengthens the Baltic-Adriatic corridor in Europe – and above all the Deutschlandsberg district,” Werner Amon, State Councillor for Europe and International Affairs, said.
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