photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%C3%96BB_EC_162_in_Innsbruck_Hbf.jpg/ÖBB´s locomotive
In 2021, ÖBB plans to make large-scale investments in infrastructure, amounting to EUR 2,1 billion. This investment is intended for projects in the Vienna region, Burgenland, Lower Austria, Styria, Carinthia, Salzburg, and Upper Austria.
Of the total amount, around EUR 700 million is earmarked for projects that directly affect Vienna, its immediate surroundings and the eastern regions, Lower Austria, and Burgenland. It is crucial to invest infrastructure in those areas because about two-thirds of the passengers in entire Austria come from them.
“ÖBB Group will continue to consistently carry out its responsibility with investments in the rail infrastructure in 2021, against and precisely because of the current crisis. With major route extensions, many new train stations, and a well-thought-out planning offensive, we are creating the basis for attractive, safe, and climate-friendly rail transport in the eastern region,” Andreas Matthä, CEO of ÖBB-Holding, said to media.
In Vienna, for example, a new connection between Hütteldorf and Meidling should be built. On the southern line from Meidling to Mödling, the four-track line should be widened. The line between Meidling and Floridsdorf should be upgraded. Work on these projects should begin between 2022 and 2027. On the other hand, the modernization of the Matzleinsdorfer Platz, Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof, Grillgasse and Strebersdorf railway stations will begin in 2021. The extension of the Praterstern railway station should also be completed in February.
There will also be several interesting projects in Burgenland. Rail branches to Vienna Airport should be built within them. Further rail branches should lead from northern Burgenland and eastern Lower Austria to Vienna. Further work will take place on the Ostbahn and Mattersburger Bahn, where electrification work will be carried out.
In Lower Austria, works will mainly be carried out to expand the local infrastructure. This will also apply to the Vienna - Bratislava connection. Railway stations are to be modernized. A new ÖBB training center should also be established in St. Pölten.
Extensive investments are also planned in Styria. The works are estimated at EUR 530 million. There should be further modernization, expansion, and the extension of railway routes by a total of almost 800 km. Further work is to be done in the Semmering tunnel.
Another EUR 408 million is to be invested in Carinthia, where modernization and expansion will affect 516 km of infrastructure. The electrification of the Klagenfurt - Weizelsdorf stations should start in March this year.
About 265 million euros are to be invested in Upper Austria. Their goal is to improve accessibility. A line between Marchtrenk and Wels is to be built. The Linz Stadthafen marshalling yard is also to be completed. The work will cover almost 900 km of tracks and more than two hundred train stops.
Salzburg will receive EUR 165 million to modernize the railways. This is a record amount for this region. The latest investment site is Vorarlberg, where ÖBB plans to invest EUR 66 million. Additional parking spaces are to be built here, and the Altach stop is to be completed. The route between Lustenau and Lauterach is to be extended.