ÖBB Electrifies First Section of Styrian Western Railway

ÖBB has completed the electrification of the first section of the Styrian Western Railway from Graz – Wettmannstätten – Wies/Eibiswald.

Commissioning is scheduled to take place on 4 August, bringing significant improvements for regional rail transport.

The electrification of the Styrian Western Railway is one of Austria’s largest electrification and modernisation projects, with work ongoing sinec 2021. A total of 91 kilometres of railway has now been electrified as part of a 693.1 million EUR investment

The first electrified section spans between Graz and the Koralm Railway, which will begin operations at the end of the year, connecting the new West Styria station and Carinthia.

The electrifaction project involved the erection of 970 pylons, alomgside 140 tons of fittings, and 95 km of cables laid. In addition to electrification, numerous stations have been modernised, park-and-ride facilities expanded, and infrastructure measures such as tunnelling and crossing work have been implemented.

Managing Director Ewald Jantscher, Division GKBI, ÖBB Infrastructure:

The successful commissioning of the electrified section between Graz, Wettmannstätten, and Wies/Eibiswald is a milestone for sustainable mobility in Styria. With this modernisation, we are setting a clear example for environmentally friendly, reliable, and efficient rail transport. ÖBB continues to invest in innovative infrastructure to make regional public transport future-proof and actively promote climate protection.

Planning is now underway for further expansion phases, including new local transport hubs in Graz to facilitate transfers between the S-Bahn and inner-city transport.