ÖBB Rail Cargo Group Initiates Freight Operations on Koralm Railway, Enhancing Austrian Logistics

Historic Launch for Austrian Rail Freight

The ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) officially began freight operations on the newly constructed Koralm Railway in early November 2025, marking a significant milestone for rail logistics in Austria. The first individual wagonload train traversed the new route on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, connecting the Villach Süd marshalling yard with Graz. This launch precedes the scheduled commencement of passenger services on December 14, 2025.

Clemens Först, CEO of the ÖBB Rail Cargo Group, stated, '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.'

Key Features and Enhanced Capacity

The Koralm Railway is a 130-kilometer (79-mile) double-track, electrified high-speed line designed to connect Graz and Klagenfurt. A central component of this ambitious project, which began construction in 2001, is the 33-kilometer Koralm Tunnel, recognized as one of the longest railway tunnels globally. The entire line features approximately 50 kilometers of tunnels and over 100 bridges, engineered for trains to operate at speeds of up to 250 km/h.

The new railway significantly improves transport efficiency by providing a flatter and shorter route between Villach and Graz, eliminating the need for detours via Knittelfeld, Leoben, and Frohnleiten. This optimized route offers up to 30% more capacity for freight on Austria's Southern Line. The reduced gradients, now at 10‰ compared to the old route's 16‰, enable trains to carry an additional 250 to 280 tonnes per service, leading to an estimated saving of up to 300,000 train kilometers per year.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The Koralm Railway is a crucial part of the Baltic–Adriatic Corridor, one of Europe's most vital north-south freight routes. Its integration strengthens Austria's position as a central logistics hub, connecting economic regions from the Baltic Sea to the Adriatic Sea. The project has received co-financing from the European Union's Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), underscoring its strategic importance for European infrastructure.

Beyond economic advantages, the new line offers substantial environmental benefits. Rail freight transport on the Koralm Railway is projected to generate approximately 15 times less CO2 emissions per tonne compared to road transport, contributing significantly to climate-friendly logistics. Among the first companies to utilize the new corridor is Omya, a global producer of mineral fillers, highlighting the industry's commitment to more sustainable supply chains.