Vienna event spotlights EU investment in rail infrastructure

As reported by RailwayPro, a locomotive in EU colors is on display. It highlights EU investment in rail infrastructure. ÖBB and the European Commission presented it at Vienna Central Station. The slogan was “Zugkraft für Europa” (Traction for Europe). It will run on the ÖBB network in the coming period.

EU investment in rail infrastructure in Austria

The inauguration ceremony took place at Vienna Central Station. It was attended by Austrian Minister for Europe Claudia Bauer. Also, Patrick Lobis attended the event. He is Head of the European Commission Representation in Austria. In addition, Sabine Stock was there. She is a member of the management board of ÖBB.

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According to the organizers, the initiative highlights European funding. It focuses on transport infrastructure in Austria and other member states. For example, the Koralm railway line is one case. The European Commission identifies it as a major rail project in Austria. It also says the project is supported by European funding. Meanwhile, the new infrastructure will reduce travel time between Graz and Klagenfurt to around 41 minutes.

The economic impact of the rail sector

“This locomotive shows that Europe does not start in Brussels, but where people live, work, and travel. Joint investments in infrastructure connect regions and strengthen the economy,” said Claudia Bauer, Austrian Minister for Europe.

An Oxford Economics study published by CER was also cited. It underlined the economic role of the rail sector. Separately, the study says the sector contributes around EUR 247 billion to the European Union’s economy. It also supports over 3 million jobs. At the same time, the analysis says every EUR 1 generated directly by the rail sector produces an average of EUR 2.7 in other areas of the economy.

ÖBB locomotive promoting European funding

Rail transport is considered one of the most energy-efficient and carbon-efficient forms of mobility. Still, the locomotive in EU colors will run on the ÖBB network in the coming period. It promotes the role of European investments in the development of rail transport.

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