After 26 years of dedicated efforts, the final section of the 130km Koralm Railway is set for completion. Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) confirms the project will conclude in November, paving the way for operations by December 2025. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Koralm Railway
Photo Credit: ÖBB

Koralm Railway: A Landmark in Infrastructure

This transformative railway links Graz and Klagenfurt, promising faster, sustainable, and more efficient travel. ÖBB has planned over 70 test runs covering 15,000km, with trains reaching speeds of 250km/h. Driver training programs, simulator exercises, and emergency drills are underway to ensure operational readiness.

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The Koralm Tunnel stands as the project’s centerpiece, spanning 32.8km and ranking as Europe’s third-longest tunnel. Excavation finished in 2020, 18 years after initial exploration and 12 years following full-scale construction. The first passenger train journeyed through this engineering marvel in June 2023.

The western segment between Wolfsberg and Klagenfurt, inaugurated in December 2023, adds to the project’s significance. This 53km stretch features three tunnels totaling 6km, highlighting the complexity of this massive endeavor.

Unveiling the Benefits of Koralm Railway

A total of 50km of tunnels and over 100 bridges define the Koralm Railway’s route. Additionally, 23 stations, both new and upgraded, enhance connectivity along the line. The modern West Styria station is scheduled for completion by spring 2025.

Travel times will see dramatic reductions upon the railway’s inauguration. Graz to Klagenfurt journeys will drop from three hours to just 45 minutes. Routes between Vienna and Klagenfurt will shrink from 3h 51min to 2h 40min. The Semmering Base Tunnel, expected to open in 2027, contributes further to these time savings.

As part of the Baltic-Adriatic Corridor within the EU’s TEN-T network, the Koralm Railway strengthens Europe’s transport infrastructure. This milestone signifies progress in connecting regions more efficiently and sustainably.

“We are proud to reach this milestone, revolutionizing public transport,” says Andreas Mättha, ÖBB CEO. “The Koralm Railway offers a sustainable and bright future for regional mobility.”

Extending southward from Graz, the railway aligns with the existing line to the Slovenian border before branching off. Passing Graz Airport, the line reaches the new Weststeiermark station, connecting with regional routes.

The railway then enters the Koralm Tunnel, emerging near St Paul in Carinthia. This location features the Lavanttal station, an interchange for the Zeltweg-Wolfsberg line. Crossing the River Drau twice, the line concludes at Klagenfurt’s main station.

The Koralm Railway’s impact extends beyond regional benefits, reshaping travel across Europe. With reduced travel times, enhanced connectivity, and eco-friendly operations, it exemplifies modern engineering excellence.

Source: www.railjournal.com

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