📋 Tender Overview
Even after the historic start of the Koralmbahn in December 2025, the OBB will continue its modernization program in Carinthia in the interests of passengers in 2026. Investments in modern and comfortable train stations are on the agenda, as well as servicing the existing railway facilities as well as the closure of railway crossings and the construction of new underpasses. In this way, OBB is providing important impetus in economically challenging times.
Investments in the Austrian railway network are not only an essential prerequisite for the mobility transition, but also an important driver for the domestic economy. Important projects such as the recently commissioned Koralmbahn or the future Semmering Base Tunnel result in a sustainable strengthening of the location and are international flagships for the railway country Austria, says Peter Hanke, Federal Minister for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure.
Andreas Mattha, CEO of OBB-Holding: We need an efficient railway to meet the future demands on peoples mobility in the long term. In addition to the major projects for international passenger and freight transport, this also includes reinvestment and attractiveness measures across the entire network and in particular in modern train stations and attractive local transport for commuters. The following applies: we are a reliable partner for our passengers even during the construction work.
Historically: The Koralmbahn is in operation
With the commissioning of the Koralmbahn in December, a long-awaited historical moment for Carinthia became reality. Since December 14, 2025, it has been clear the road not only between Klagenfurt and Graz. The transport network across the country has been reorganized and offers passengers completely new options - both regionally and internationally. And the further developments are far from complete. Switching to environmentally friendly rail is easier and more attractive than ever before.
Modernization of Villach main station
The modernization of Villach main station, which began at the beginning of 2024, is well advanced. The station is one of the largest and most important rail traffic hubs in Austria and will be completely renovated by the end of 2027. Among other things, several platforms will be rebuilt and partially extended in order to increase their attractiveness for our passengers and create more space for the trains. With a variety of photovoltaic panels as platform roofs, we are contributing to the energy transition. Work on the platforms will be completed by autumn 2026. The Bike&Ride offering has already been significantly expanded. Villach Main Station will thus be further strengthened and upgraded in its importance as a central hub in Austria.
Further highlights of OBB in Carinthia 2026
Rothenthurn train station and the railway facilities in the station area will also be modernized for our passengers from 2026 to 2027. Part of the work will be carried out as part of the second partial closure of the Tauern Tunnel, which will result in temporary restrictions on rail traffic between Markt Paternion and Spittal/Drau.
The Bodensdorf am Ossiachersee train station (modernization of the forecourt, station building and customer areas, park & ride facility) will be renovated in 2026 - 2027, as will the stop in Kappel am Krappfeld (construction completed in 2026). Further expansion projects for park & ride facilities are planned at Kuhnsdorf-Klopeiner See and in Paternion-Feistritz in 2026.
After the Waidmannsdorf underpass in Klagenfurt was completed in 2025, work on the Foderlach underpass in Wernberg is now in full swing. The underpass will be completed by 2027 and will thus contribute to increasing safety on roads and rails. After commissioning, two railway crossings (EK) can be closed, completely eliminating waiting times for road traffic and pedestrians. In Portschach, a pedestrian and cycle path underpass will be built from 2026 to replace the Goritschacherweg railway crossing. In Furnitz, plans to make the logistics location more attractive will continue until 2027. OBB will invest a total of 157 million euros in Carinthia in 2026.
The most important route closures/restrictions in Carinthia in 2026
It is very important to us that passengers can fully benefit from the historic new quality of the Koralmbahn right from the start. Thats why we have reduced the restrictions on the southern route to a minimum in 2026. Our railway lines ensure nationwide mobility and must be modernized during ongoing operations. Through careful planning and innovative construction methods, Austria remains on the move even during modernization. This is the only way we can increase our quality and still get our passengers to their destination reliably and safely. Customers will be informed in advance of any necessary restrictions - with information at the stations and on the trains, on the Internet at www.oebb.at or via the Scotty mobil app. As usual, the media will be informed about major restrictions by the OBB press office. OBB Communications will also be happy to answer any questions you may have during construction work.
Planned route closures with rail replacement services (SEV):
route area
Duration
Work/Impact
Rosenbach-Jesenice
09/25/2026 - 11/12/2026
TotalBlocked with SEV due to renovation of Jesenice station (further restrictions spread over 2026)
Arnoldstein - Hermagor
10/25 - November 7th, 2026
SEV due to track maintenance work
Tauern Tunnel closure February to July 2027
The heart of the Tauern line, the 8,371 meter long Tauern Tunnel, was put into operation in 1909. It received its last update, which focused on tunnel safety and track construction work, in 2004. Around 20 years later, the tunnel must be modernized and made efficient for the next decades, which happens in two stages.
In 2026, preparations will begin for the second closure phase of the Tauern Tunnel, which will be implemented at the same time as the DB closure between R
