Historic Launch for Austrian Rail Freight
The ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) officially began freight operations on Austria's new Koralm Railway in early November 2025, marking a significant advancement for the country's rail logistics. This strategic move precedes the commencement of passenger services, which are slated to begin on December 14, 2025. The new 130-kilometer line is set to revolutionize transport between the federal states of Carinthia and Styria.
The inaugural freight journey, a single wagonload train, was operated by ÖBB Rail Cargo Group on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The wagons, assembled at the Villach Süd marshalling yard, were transported north towards Graz for redistribution. Among the first companies to utilize this new corridor is Omya, a global producer of mineral fillers, highlighting the railway's immediate impact on industrial supply chains.
Enhanced Capacity and Efficiency
The Koralm Railway, a double-track, electrified high-speed line, is designed to offer substantial improvements in freight transport. It provides up to 30% more capacity for freight on Austria's Southern Line. The new route offers a flatter and shorter connection between Villach and Graz, eliminating the need for detours via Knittelfeld, Leoben, and Frohnleiten. This not only cuts travel times but also significantly reduces energy consumption.
Clemens Först, CEO of the ÖBB Rail Cargo Group, emphasized the importance of this development, stating, 'The start of freight operations on the Koralm Railway marks a new chapter for rail freight in Austria. Thanks to the new line, we can offer our customers shorter transport times and more capacity for climate-friendly logistics.' The reduced gradients on the new line, at 10‰ compared to the old route's 16‰, enable trains to carry an additional 250 to 280 tonnes per service, contributing to an estimated annual saving of up to 300,000 train kilometers.
A Landmark Infrastructure Project
The Koralm Railway is a monumental infrastructure project, featuring approximately 50 kilometers of tunnels and over 100 bridges. Its centerpiece is the 33-kilometer Koralm Tunnel, which is recognized as one of the longest railway tunnels globally. Construction of the Koralm Railway began with detailed planning in 1995 and initial works in 1999, with the final breakthrough of the Koralm Tunnel occurring in 2020.
This new railway forms a crucial part of the Baltic-Adriatic Corridor, one of Europe's most vital north-south freight routes. By linking the Baltic Sea with the Adriatic, it strengthens Austria's position as a central logistics hub within Europe and promotes more sustainable, climate-friendly transport solutions.
Future Outlook: Passenger Services and Regional Connectivity
While freight operations are now underway, the full commissioning of the Koralm Railway, including passenger services, is anticipated for December 2025. Once fully operational, the line will dramatically reduce travel times between Graz and Klagenfurt from over two hours to approximately 41 to 45 minutes, significantly enhancing regional connectivity and accessibility. The project underscores Austria's commitment to modernizing its rail network and fostering economic growth through improved transportation infrastructure.
5 Comments
Fuerza
While the Koralm Railway undoubtedly brings significant efficiency gains for freight and passengers, the sheer scale and cost of such a project raise questions about alternative, perhaps less disruptive, infrastructure improvements.
Manolo Noriega
The commitment to shifting freight to rail for environmental benefits is commendable and necessary. Yet, we must also critically examine the environmental costs incurred during the decades of construction for this complex railway and tunnel system.
Ongania
This project solidifies Austria's role as a European transport hub. Forward-thinking!
Manolo Noriega
Improving connections between Carinthia and Styria is a clear benefit, especially for passenger travel times. Still, the article heavily emphasizes freight, and I wonder if the regional economic benefits for smaller communities along the route will truly materialize beyond faster transit.
Fuerza
Finally, smart infrastructure investment! This is huge for Austrian logistics.