ÖBB: West Styria Station Unveiling, Koralmbahn Progress

News Article: ÖBB to Unveil West Styria Station and Koralmbahn Progress

Austria, June 13, 2024 – The Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) (Österreichische Bundesbahnen) is set to host an open day on June 13, 2025, at the West Styria station, marking a significant milestone in the Koralmbahn project. This event will offer the public an exclusive first look at the largest station along the Koralmbahn route, providing a comprehensive overview of the infrastructure and its future impact on regional transportation. The open day aims to showcase the completed station and the broader advancements of the Koralmbahn, illustrating ÖBB’s commitment to modernizing Austria’s railway network. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the station, learn about the technology, and understand the project’s strategic importance in connecting Graz and Klagenfurt. The event underscores the progress towards the full operational launch of the Koralmbahn at the end of 2025, signaling a new era for rail transport in Southern Austria. Visitors will gain insights into the advanced infrastructure and the benefits the project will bring to the region, including enhanced connectivity and reduced travel times.

A Comprehensive Overview of the West Styria Station

The West Styria station, with its nine tracks and 450 park-and-ride spaces, represents a significant infrastructural achievement as the largest station on the Koralmbahn. Designed to serve as a central mobility hub, the station integrates seamlessly with various transportation modes. Strategic connections to the cycle path network, comprehensive infrastructure for e-mobility solutions, and dedicated access areas for buses and taxis ensure a smooth transition between different forms of transport. This multimodal integration is crucial for optimizing regional connectivity, linking the surrounding areas effectively with the Koralmbahn and the broader Southern Line network. This approach enhances accessibility for commuters and travelers alike, promoting a sustainable and user-friendly transportation experience. The station’s design emphasizes efficiency, user convenience, and environmental sustainability, reflecting ÖBB’s commitment to modern railway infrastructure.

The Koralmbahn: A Cornerstone of the New Southern Line

The Koralmbahn, a pivotal component of the New Southern Line, is one of Europe’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, significantly enhancing rail transport in Southern Austria. Stretching across 130 kilometers of new track, the project includes approximately 50 kilometers of tunnels, featuring the impressive 33-kilometer-long Koralmtunnel, a feat of engineering. Additionally, the railway incorporates over 100 bridges and 23 modern stations and stops, strategically designed to improve regional connectivity. The Koralmbahn aims to dramatically reduce travel times between Graz and Klagenfurt, with the fastest journey expected to take only 45 minutes upon its full operational launch on December 14, 2025. This reduction in travel time will enhance regional mobility, facilitating economic development and improving the quality of life for residents. The project also includes rigorous testing, with over 15,000 kilometers of track tests being conducted in Carinthia and Styria to ensure safety and operational efficiency.

Interactive Exhibits and Public Engagement

The open day at West Styria station will feature several interactive elements designed to inform and engage the public. Attendees can explore the first ÖBB Info Park, which covers 1,800 square meters and features various exhibition pieces and informative pavilions. A key highlight is a trail that traces the Koralmbahn’s route, including a life-size cross-section of the Koralmtunnel. This exhibit provides a detailed look at the engineering marvel behind the tunnel, offering visitors insights into its construction and significance. Moreover, the original drill head from the Koralmtunnel, which holds the world record for the longest continuous tunnel boring, will be on display. Alongside the information park, the event will also include guided tours, exhibitions, information stations, and entertainment for children. ÖBB will also offer the Koralmbahn cinema and unveil the new Southern Line exhibition, presenting its maintenance train. The event offers continuous shuttle services from Deutschlandsberg Stadt and Groß St. Florian stations to provide convenient access. The event is designed to be inclusive and informative, offering free access and activities for all participants.

Conclusion: A New Era for Rail Transport in Southern Austria

The open day at West Styria station marks a crucial moment in the evolution of Austria’s railway infrastructure. The event offers a unique opportunity for the public to witness firsthand the progress of the Koralmbahn project, a central component of the New Southern Line, set to transform regional transportation. The station’s advanced design, integrating various transportation modes, exemplifies ÖBB’s commitment to building a sustainable and efficient transport network. The initiative not only reduces travel times but also strengthens regional connectivity and enhances the overall quality of life. The interactive exhibits and the Info Park provide comprehensive insights into the engineering feats and the project’s broader impact. The full operational launch of the Koralmbahn at the end of 2025 will usher in a new era of rail transport, promising improved efficiency, enhanced connectivity, and economic growth for Southern Austria. The open day on June 13, 2025, is a testament to ÖBB’s dedication to modernization and its vision for a future where rail transport is at the forefront of mobility solutions. This event is crucial to understand the improvements in infrastructure and the benefits the project will bring to the region.

Brief Summary of Companies Involved:

• ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways): The primary entity responsible for the development and operation of the Koralmbahn and the New Southern Line. ÖBB is Austria’s leading railway company, focused on modernizing and expanding the country’s rail infrastructure.
• Various contractors and engineering firms: Involved in the construction of the Koralmbahn, including tunnel construction, track laying, bridge building, and station development. These companies contribute to the project’s engineering and technical expertise.