Innsbruck’s Railway Expansion Drives Sustainability, Jobs, Efficiency

Introduction

ÖBB has completed the final expansion of its Innsbruck train maintenance facility, a project involving a EUR 70 million investment and the creation of 50 new skilled jobs.

Facility Expansion

The newly constructed maintenance hall in Innsbruck spans 285 meters and features six tracks. Three tracks are dedicated to long-distance trains like Railjet and Nightjet, while the other three serve regional trains such as Cityjet. The facility has been designed to optimize maintenance operations. Long-distance trains undergo servicing overnight, and regional trains are maintained during off-peak hours to maximize availability and minimize downtime.

Operational Efficiency and Design

The workshop incorporates the latest technical and ergonomic standards. New vehicles, technologies, and maintenance concepts have been integrated with the aim of ensuring trains are in optimal condition for operation. According to TS Managing Director Ralf Mair, the Innsbruck workshop is designed for the new trains in Tyrol, allowing for detailed maintenance during scheduled downtimes.

Employment and Training Initiatives

The expansion has created approximately 50 new high-quality jobs. The Innsbruck train maintenance facility now employs around 130 individuals in highly skilled roles, with further demand expected. The site also includes a state-of-the-art training center for about 150 apprentices across seven trades, demonstrating ÖBB’s commitment to training and securing the industry’s future.

Sustainability Measures

Sustainability was a key consideration in the expansion. The new workshop utilizes resource-efficient materials, including timber roof beams, and features innovative door sealing systems, such as air curtains and inflatable seals, to reduce heat loss. A photovoltaic system is already operational on the roof, with a second one scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. These systems are expected to produce around 520 MWh of electricity annually, which is sufficient to power about 130 average households. This contributes to Austria’s energy transition.

Conclusion

The modernisation and expansion of ÖBB Technische Services (TS) in Innsbruck is one of the largest projects in the history of ÖBB Technische Services. The Innsbruck train maintenance facility serves as a key maintenance hub for both regional and long-distance trains in Western Austria. The rebuild was carried out while the site remained fully operational.

Company Summary

ÖBB is the national railway company of Austria.

ÖBB-Personenverkehr AG is a part of ÖBB responsible for passenger transport.

ÖBB Technische Services (TS) is a division of ÖBB.