The new plan keeps most of Austria’s rail investment pipeline in place, but also reflects tighter budget conditions and a stronger focus on project prioritisation.
According to ÖBB, 87% of existing projects will continue as planned. The framework plan forms the financial basis for infrastructure work over the next six years, covering capacity upgrades, modernisation of existing assets, digital systems and selected new-build projects.
In addition to the €19.5 billion investment package, a further €5 billion is planned for maintenance, including fault clearance, inspection, servicing and repairs.
Mobility Minister Peter Hanke said the plan keeps investment at a high level despite budget consolidation. He described investment of around €3 billion per year as a commitment to rail expansion, Austria’s economy and the shift towards more sustainable mobility.
ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä said the company would also contribute to budget consolidation, but added that already started construction projects would be completed. According to Matthä, the new plan prioritises projects where investment is expected to have the strongest transport impact.
ÖBB says 87% of existing projects will continue as planned. Major works remaining on schedule include the Semmering Base Tunnel, expected to enter service in 2029, and the renewal of the Semmering mountain route between Gloggnitz and Mürzzuschlag, planned until 2028.
Other projects remaining on track include the reconstruction of the Wiener Neustadt northern junction by 2029, upgrades to the Vienna S-Bahn and access routes by 2027, and the Verbindungsbahn project, planned until 2036.
On the Westbahn, the four-track expansion between Linz and Wels is still expected to be completed in 2031. Further west, the double-track expansion near Bludenz towards the Arlberg, including the Klosterbogen section, remains planned for commissioning in 2029.
Some projects have been rescheduled. The four-track expansion between Köstendorf and Salzburg in the Salzburg Flachgau is now expected in 2046, instead of 2044. ÖBB says revised planning has reduced the expected construction period by three years and cut the required investment by around €300 million.
The airport link connecting Vienna Airport towards Bratislava and Budapest has been postponed by two years, with completion now expected in 2037. Project planning is continuing.
Further changes affect the Franz-Josefs-Bahn, now expected to be fully modernised in 2034, and the selective double-track expansion on the Pyhrn line between Nettingsdorf and Rohr-Bad Hall, now planned for 2039.
The plan also includes station modernisation, Park&Ride and Bike&Ride facilities, Rail&Drive sites, digital systems for train control and operations, safety measures, electrification projects and investment in renewable energy supply for the overhead line system.
