📋 Tender Overview
Even after the historic start of the Koralmbahn in December 2025, the OBB will continue its modernization program in Styria in 2026 in the interests of passengers. Investments in modern and comfortable train stations are on the agenda, as are service and the modernization of existing routes. 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 Styria became reality. Since December 14, 2025, it has been clear the road not only between Graz and Klagenfurt. 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.
Construction of the Semmering Base Tunnel is right on schedule
The construction of the Semmering Base Tunnel is well advanced and will go into operation in 2030 and is the last big piece of the puzzle of the southern route expansion in Styria. Work on the technical tunnel equipment will continue in 2026. The completion of the tunnel will be the next big quantum leap for rail quality in the south when the tunnel is available in addition to the Semmering Railway. This means that the route from Vienna to Graz can be traveled much faster and with a flat track character. In the Semmering area alone, this saves around 30 minutes of time for passenger transport. In addition, the handling of freight transport will be further simplified and will therefore become significantly more attractive - in line with the shift in traffic to environmentally friendly rail.
Further highlights of OBB in Styria 2026
The Mixnitz-Bierenschutzklamm station is currently fully under construction on the southern route. It will be completely rebuilt by 2027 and will then be a modern, barrier-free stop with a contemporary Park & Ride and Bike & Ride facility. In Graz, the Peter-Tunner-Gasse underpass will be completed in the first half of 2026 and can be reopened to road traffic.
Work on Raaba station on the Styrian Eastern Railway will also be completed by summer 2026. This work requires the route to be closed in April, May and summer, which will also be used to continue electrification on this route. On the Styrian Western Railway, work on the tracks, stations and the electrification of the line in the Lieboch - Koflach section is continuing. In total, OBB will invest 552 million euros in Styria in 2026.
The most important route closures/restrictions in Styria 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:
route area
Duration
Lieboch - Wettmannstatten
March 20, 2026 - April 7, 2026
Graz - Gleisdorf
April 25, 2026 - May 4, 2026
Graz - Gleisdorf
July 20, 2026 - August 23, 2026
Fehring-Jennersdorf
08/14/2026 - 08/17/2026
