Austria’s railway infrastructure to be modernised within 5 years
Austria will expand its railway infrastructure, with the government allocating €21.1 billion. ÖBB, which presented its strategy for improving rail services, received the funds.
The Austrian national railway operator’s plan covers a five-year period, during which it will develop and implement solutions to expand the list of services in the country’s regions. In addition, it will modernise the infrastructure to make transportation as comfortable as possible. According to ÖBB, implementing the strategy will unleash all the advantages of rail transport as a safe and environmentally friendly means of transport.
The modernisation plan for the sector for 2024-2029 covers several areas:
- completion of current major projects, including the Brenner tunnel;
- developing passenger transport in different regions of the country;
- improving passenger services in major cities;
- electrification of the railway system;
- modernisation of the infrastructure to improve freight transport.
Leonora Gewessler, Minister for Climate Change, endorsed ÖBB’s strategy. She believes that in the long term, the increase in rail traffic will contribute to a growing interest in rail transport for passengers and freight. This will contribute to the transition to a sustainable economy and a lower carbon footprint.
How public investment will be allocated
ÖBB is investing in the infrastructure development on its own, in addition to funding from the Austrian government. According to the plan developed by ÖBB and the authorities, investors will allocate an additional €4.7 billion. This money will improve the availability of transport and increase the use of renewable energy sources in the operation of the network.
Part of the investment will go towards constructing new tracks and a regional line. ÖBB and the Ministry are confident of the programme’s success and consider it one of the country’s top priorities. The project will create 15,000 jobs, which is crucial for the local economy, which is experiencing a downturn.
In addition to funding from the Austrian government, ÖBB is investing independently in infrastructure development. It has signed an agreement with Siemens Mobility Corporation to purchase 540 electric trains worth €5 billion.
ÖBB is Austria’s national railway company, operating since 1923. The company has undergone several transformations and now provides comfortable rail transport throughout the country. ÖBB uses a main line that crosses Austria from east to west and six regional lines, four of which cross the Alps.
