Austria Approves €693M For Styrian Western Railway Modernization

The budget for the modernization of the Styrian Western Railway in Austria has been revised to €693 million. The comprehensive works, which began in 2021, are being managed by ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG with the final phase scheduled for completion in 2033. The scope includes the full electrification of the line connecting Graz and Köflach.

Initial construction phases focused on the southern sections of the route. The Wettmannstätten to Wies-Eibiswald segment was completed in 2025, facilitating the start of electric S-Bahn services. Work is now concentrated on the Lieboch–Köflach branch, which has a target completion date of the end of 2028. This segment requires significant engineering, including the widening of the Krems tunnel to accommodate overhead catenary and the modernization of eight stations.

The final stage of the program, set for completion by 2033, addresses the urban Graz–Lieboch section. This involves the replacement of four level crossings with new underpasses. These structures are designed as integrated mobility hubs to permit direct transfers between S-Bahn platforms and local bus services.

Upon completion, the project will have electrified approximately 91 kilometers of track and modernized 16 stations. The infrastructure is designed to serve as a key feeder route for the Koralm line, a major national rail corridor set to begin full operations in December 2025. The conversion from diesel to electric traction is projected to reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 16,000 tonnes.