📋 Tender Overview
The direct and fast rail connection between Salzburg and Carinthia has been available again since today. The rail traffic through the Gastein Valley was resumed after the modernization of the Tauern route. Passenger and freight traffic on the important north-south connection is now running again. [Note: Radio OT in the download area]
(Bockstein/Mallnitz, July 14, 2025) - In the past few months the Tauern route between Schwarzach/St. Veit and Mallnitz extensively modernized. The necessary lock of the Tauern tunnel for renovation work was used to also raise the train systems in the Gastein Valley to a new quality level. Viaducts, track systems and overhead lines were renewed on large sections. In addition to higher reliability and even more driving comfort, passengers in Bad Gastein, Bad Hofgastein and Dorfgastein will also be waiting for a modern and customer -friendly infrastructure in the future. Already with the resumption of rail traffic on the Tauern route, the three stations were put into operation today. The renewal of the train stations continues to work intensively. The overall completion of the train stations with new electronic signal boxes will take place by the end of 2027. The customer-relevant improvements such as accessibility, Park & Ride-, Bike & Ride facilities and buses will be completed before the timetable change in the late 2025.
Relief at commuter: inside
The resumption of rail traffic now ensures a short travel time between Salzburg and Carinthia as well as all amenities that are available again when traveling with the train relaxed. Direct connections from and to Germany are now available again and are already well booked. Also for commuters: Inside between Salzburg and Carinthia, the short rail connection means a massive relief. The commissioning of the Tauern route after the construction work is an important milestone. I am proud of the outstanding performance of our team, which has tirelessly worked on successfully implementing this project. The first phase of the general renovation is thus complete, significant parts of the entire tunnel ensure high comfort and reliability. For sustainable and future-proof mobility, says OBB-Infrastructure AG, head of Judith Engel.
Joy in Salzburg and Carinthia
In the Salzburg Gastein Valley and in the Carinthian Molltal, further improvements are waiting. The reopening of the Tauern tunnel is not only good news for the numerous commuters. After the extensive modernization of the infrastructure, the Tauern route will also experience a significant upgrade with the commissioning of the Koralbahn and thus bring many advantages for all travelers and in particular the Gastein Valley, says the Salzburg head of the head of Salzburg Stefan Schnoll. Sebastian Schuschnig, as a state council in Carinthia not only for mobility, but also responsible for tourism and business, is pleased: The relief in Carinthia is that this important north-south connection is now available for passenger and freight traffic again. In the future, infrastructure will benefit locals, tourists and the economy, as it were.
By bike to the south
The commissioning of the Tauern route also brings a great relief for sports enthusiasts. The very popular Alpe-Adria cycle path from Salzburg to Grado can now be made easier again by a train journey. The Tauern lock for the bike and car transport between Bockstein and Mallnitz was reopened a week ago and is again very popular with the cycling. As of today, the Tauern lock has been fully in operation again and on the road every hour.
Second construction stage 2027 planned
In order to finalize the modernization work, a second stage of the measures is required. The work is already being planned and focus on the area of the southern portal. The second construction stage will take place in the first half of 2027. The OBB-Infrastructure AG is continuously informed about progress and details.
