📋 Tender Overview
Top speed of 160 km/h and state-of-the-art ETCS
Innovative technologies for even more capacity, comfort, and high availability
Comprehensive testing currently underway at the Siemens Test Center Wegberg-Wildenrath
World premiere for the new OBB Railjet M from Siemens Mobility: The electric multiple unit (EMU), designed for inner-Alpine long-distance service, was presented at the international rail trade fair InnoTrans. The train brings increased capacity and exceptional passenger comfort to the tracks, while simultaneously ensuring high availability through the use of innovative technologies. Comprehensive tests are currently being conducted with additional units at the Siemens Test Center in Wildenrath, with several important milestones already achieved. Based on a framework agreement concluded in the summer of 2023, OBB has ordered a total of 100 electric multiple units based on the Siemens Mireo platform, including 31 units in the Railjet M configuration. The trains are scheduled to enter service in 2028.
Andreas Mattha, CEO OBB-Holding AG: Demand for rail travel is steadily increasing. That is why we are consistently investing in modern vehicles with additional capacity. The Railjet M is a key component of this new fleet: it was specially developed for inner-Alpine routes and offers our passengers more capacity, higher quality, and greater comfort. Together with strong industrial partners, we are setting the course for the next generation of trains in Austria.
Michael Peter, CEO Siemens Mobility: With Railjet M, we are introducing a new generation of long-distance trains for Austria. The train combines high capacity, exceptional travel comfort, and state-of-the-art digital technologies that ensure maximum availability and reliability throughout its entire lifecycle. Together with OBB, we are creating a train that is perfectly tailored to the demands of inner-Alpine travel and makes an important contribution to sustainable and attractive mobility.
The Railjet M is based on Siemens Mobilitys proven Mireo platform and has a length of approximately 106 meters. The trains reach a top speed of 160 km/h and are equipped with the state-of-the-art train protection system ETCS. A special focus has been placed on economic efficiency and high availability. Through continuous vehicle self-diagnosis, maintenance requirements can be identified early and reported directly to service centers via a secure radio link. Furthermore, the lightweight construction of the Mireo trains reduces energy consumption and minimizes wear on the infrastructure.
The vehicles were developed as a single-car concept based on the Mireo platform. The weight- and space-optimized bogies, developed at the Siemens Competence Center for Bogies and Pantographs in Graz, Austria, create additional interior space for enhanced passenger comfort. Simultaneously, they increase operational reliability and economic efficiency, even under the demanding conditions of Alpine rail traffic.
Earlier this spring, the Railjet M underwent extensive testing in the worlds largest climate-wind tunnel in Vienna. The vehicle was exposed to temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees Celsius, as well as simulated snowfall and high wind speeds. This ensures that the train functions perfectly even in severe frost and Alpine weather conditions. Currently, comprehensive tests are being carried out with further trains of this type at the Siemens Test Center in Wegberg-Wildenrath, where several milestones have already been successfully completed.
The interior of the Railjet M offers space for a total of 257 passengers, with 27 first-class seats, 188 seats in second-class, and 42 folding seats. The design is consistently geared towards accessibility, featuring low-floor entry and sliding steps to bridge gaps at the platforms. For travelers with large luggage or sports equipment, generous luggage racks are available in every section. The spacious multi-purpose area provides 14 bicycle spaces and special holders for up to 54 pairs of skis or snowboards. A catering zone with vending machines for snacks and drinks, as well as a family zone with a childrens cinema and play area, complete the amenities. Mobile-signal-permeable windows and a high-performance Wi-Fi system with access to the Railnet portal ensure a stable internet connection.
