Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker, ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä, and other high-ranking national and international political representatives celebrated the launch of the Koralmbahn with a “grand spectacle,” inaugurated with a special journey.
“With the launch of the Koralmbahn, we are not only inaugurating a new line, but also writing a new chapter in the history of Austrian railways. The 130 kilometers connect not only places, but also people, ideas, and markets. This project of the century turns distances into opportunities – for people, for the economy, and for an entire region. Today marks the beginning of an era in which southern Austria is closer than ever before,” said Andreas Matthä.
“The opening of the Koralmbahn is a milestone in the history of infrastructure projects in Austria. As part of the new southern main line, it brings the two central areas around the cities of Graz and Klagenfurt closer together and creates a new, high-performance economic area,” said the Austrian Chancellor.
The central stations in Graz and Klagenfurt were the center of attention, with thousands of visitors on December 12, when the Koralmbahn launch ceremony took place, 30 years after work began.
On the day of the inauguration, special trains ran every hour, allowing travel between events at the two central stations.
“The railway revolutionized Europe in the 19th century: it accelerated freight transport, stimulated trade and industry, and enabled the development of cities such as Linz, Graz, and Villach. It created jobs, connected regions, and made travel accessible—a symbol of progress and social advancement. And today, the railway connects rural areas with urban centers and provides access to education, work, and medical services. With the Koralmbahn, we are continuing this success story – with optimism for a bright future,” said the President of Austria.
The Koralmbahn is 130 km long, with the centerpiece of the project being the 33 km Koralmtunnel, the sixth longest railway tunnel in the world.
Along the new line, which allows trains to travel at a speed of 250 km/h, there are 100 bridges and 23 modern stations.
The Koralmbahn is the largest newly built railway line in Austria in over 100 years. There are 12 tunnels along the route, with a total length of 50 kilometers. The centerpiece is the 33-kilometer Koralmtunnel. The line is equipped with ETCS, and trains in operation can be continuously monitored and controlled from outside.
“The Koralmbahn is undoubtedly a project of the century. It ensures faster, more frequent, and better train travel—Graz and Klagenfurt will be connected in just 41 minutes in the future,” said Peter Hanke, Federal Minister for Innovation, Mobility, and Infrastructure.
Photos: Copyright: ÖBB
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