ÖBB RCG Koralm Railway: Austrian Rail Freight Capacity & Efficiency Boost

Introduction

ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) commenced freight services on the new Koralm Railway in early November, marking a significant development for Austrian rail freight. The 130-kilometre line, part of the Baltic–Adriatic Corridor, offers increased freight capacity and improved transport efficiency.

Freight Operations Commencement

From early November, ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) began utilizing the Koralm Railway for freight transport between Carinthia and Styria. A historic moment for Austrian rail freight, it reflects the railway’s origins, as the first trains 200 years ago were used for goods transport.

Capacity and Efficiency Improvements

The Koralm Railway provides up to 30% more capacity for freight on Austria’s Southern Line. The route between Villach and Graz is now flatter and shorter, eliminating the need for detours via Knittelfeld, Leoben, and Frohnleiten. The reduced gradients—10‰ compared to 16‰ on the old route—allow trains to carry an additional 250 to 280 tonnes per service while reducing energy consumption. These improvements are expected to save up to 300,000 train kilometers per year.

Early Operations and Customer Benefits

On Tuesday, 4 November, an individual wagonload train utilized the new route. The wagons, assembled at the Villach Süd marshalling yard, were sent north to Graz before redistribution. Omya, a global producer of mineral fillers, has committed to increasing rail usage to enhance its supply chain sustainability. The Koralm Railway allows for more sustainable and resource-efficient transport, contributing to reduced CO₂ emissions and strengthened rail freight transport.

Strategic Significance and Future Developments

The Koralm Railway forms part of the Baltic–Adriatic Corridor, linking the Baltic Sea with the Adriatic and connecting key economic regions. Together with the existing line via the Neumarkt Saddle, the Koralm route creates a four-track Southern Axis, increasing freight capacity by around 30%. Passenger operations are scheduled to begin on 14 December 2025. The new route will significantly reduce travel times between West Styria and Southern Carinthia, such as Railjet Xpress trains cutting the Graz–Klagenfurt journey from over two hours to just 41 minutes.

Conclusion

The Koralm Railway, a key part of the Baltic–Adriatic Corridor, has initiated freight services, promising enhanced capacity and efficiency. Passenger services are set to commence on 14 December 2025, further integrating the railway into the European transport network.

Company Summary

ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG): A rail freight transport company that commenced freight services on the Koralm Railway in early November.

Omya: A global producer of mineral fillers for paper manufacturing, committed to increasing its use of rail for more sustainable supply chains.