Train maintenance center in Linz is now under construction, with ÖBB-Technische Services (ÖBB-TS) moving ahead on a new facility aimed at expanding rail maintenance capacity in Upper Austria and supporting regional and commuter services.

Train maintenance center in Linz strengthens ÖBB’s hub
Train maintenance center in Linz strengthens ÖBB’s hub

The start of work was marked by a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Manfred Premm, head of asset management at ÖBB-TS, Linz Mayor Dietmar Prammer, and Eva Hackl, regional manager for passenger transport. According to the official ÖBB press release, the project is financed by ÖBB-Personenverkehr and involves an investment of more than 100 million EUR.

ÖBB train maintenance center Linz to handle electric trains

Once completed, the site will serve as a maintenance base for electric trains operating in the region. The Cityjet M fleet intended for regional transport in Upper Austria will also be serviced there, making the facility part of the maintenance setup for future regional rail operations.

Manfred Premm said the investment would strengthen both Linz’s position and the long-term development of public transport in Austria. He also linked the project to sustainable, efficient operations and high technical standards.

The new maintenance hall will cover about 11,000 square meters. It will have five work bays and enough space to handle up to seven modern regional and long-distance trains at the same time. Operations at the facility are expected to begin in mid-2028.

Optimized maintenance for regional and long-distance trains

At the Linz site, maintenance will be organized around service modules based on mileage and operating intervals. The purpose is to keep trains in the depot for as little time as possible.

Under the planned approach, vehicles will enter the hall for several hours during periods when they are not scheduled for commercial service. During these stops, components listed in the technical maintenance schedules will be inspected, while worn parts will be replaced where necessary. The aim is to maintain high rolling stock availability and reduce downtime.

The new center is considered important for expanding S-Bahn and regional services in Upper Austria, where demand for public rail transport continues to grow. By supporting maintenance for both regional and long-distance trains, the facility is expected to help keep rail services more reliable as operations develop.

Sustainable train maintenance facility for Upper Austria

The project will also create around 110 skilled jobs. Linz Mayor Dietmar Prammer said the new hall sends a strong signal for the city, with the additional positions strengthening the regional economy and supporting long-term skilled employment in Linz.

Sustainability is part of the facility’s design. Plans include a green roof, environmentally friendly construction materials, and a photovoltaic system for energy production. Since the hall will be located close to the operational area, it will also reduce empty train movements, freeing capacity on the rail network for commercial traffic.