Styria Approves Electrification and 17 EMUs for Murtalbahn

Graz, Austria – The state of Styria has committed EUR 169 million to electrify the narrow-gauge Murtalbahn and purchase new electric multiple units, aiming to replace rolling stock reaching end of life by the mid-2030s. The project involves a joint tender with two other 760mm-gauge operators — Zillertalbahn and Pinzgauer Lokalbahn — for a combined 17 EMUs, cutting unit costs through aggregated demand. Styria’s investment also covers depot modifications and track upgrades that will reduce the Unzmarkt–Murau journey from 36 to 24 minutes.

What Is the Full Scope of This Project?

The Murtalbahn electrification and vehicle replacement programme comprises overhead line installation, workshop adaptation, and procurement of five custom-built 760mm-gauge EMUs as part of a 17-unit joint order with the Zillertalbahn and Pinzgauer Lokalbahn. Works include modernising the Unzmarkt–Tamsweg corridor to permit faster travel and integrating new traction power supply systems. The existing 10-year public service contract with Steiermarkbahn und Bus GmbH (StB) remains in force until 2030, ensuring operational continuity.

Key Project Data

How Does This Compare to Similar Projects?

Pooled rolling stock orders to drive down unit costs are not new in standard-gauge markets. In 2018, a framework agreement between ÖBB and Siemens for up to 700 Desiro ML trains reportedly lowered per-unit prices by 10–15% through combined volume (Source: Siemens Mobility, 2018). For 760mm-gauge systems, however, such cross-operator cooperation is exceptionally rare. The Zillertalbahn previously explored hydrogen traction before opting for electric, but did not pursue a joint tender at that time. The Murtalbahn initiative therefore represents a novel bundling of demand for a niche gauge, which could set a benchmark for other narrow-gauge lines across Central Europe. Independent verification of the co-financing status with Austria’s federal government and Salzburg was not available at time of publication.

Editor’s Analysis

Styria’s move to lock three niche operators into a single 17-unit EMU tender fundamentally reshapes the procurement landscape for non-standard gauges. With only a handful of 760mm lines operating in Austria, the aggregated order de-risks manufacturing and creates economies of scale that would be impossible individually. The absence of a firm electrification deadline underscores that the project’s momentum depends on pending co-financing talks; any delay from the federal government or Salzburg could postpone fleet replacement beyond the mid-2030s target. In the broader context of Austria’s push to decarbonise regional transport, this project moves a scenic but technically isolated corridor toward electrification, demonstrating how niche infrastructure can align with national climate goals (Source: Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, 2024).

FAQ

Q: Why is the Murtalbahn being electrified now?
A: The current diesel rolling stock will reach the end of its technical service life by the mid-2030s, and no viable second-hand market exists for 760mm-gauge vehicles. Electrification combined with a multi-operator EMU order guarantees a cost-effective, long-term fleet solution.

Q: How many new EMUs will serve the Murtalbahn, and when will they enter service?
A: Five EMUs are earmarked for the Murtalbahn from the joint 17-unit tender. No service entry date has been confirmed; procurement timing hinges on finalised tender documentation and co-financing arrangements.

Q: What impact will the project have on journey times?
A: Route modernisation under the project will cut travel time between Unzmarkt and Murau from 36 minutes to 24 minutes. Other sections of the line may also see reduced running times once the full programme is complete.