The Koralmbahn testing phase has been completed after more than 280 test runs between Graz and Klagenfurt, with commissioning expected on 14 December 2025.
Using individual locomotives, specialised measuring coaches, and Railjets, highly qualified experts have tested the line at speeds of up to 250 km/h, collecting valuable data in the process.
“Sometimes reality surpasses even the most beautiful dreams. That’s how it felt to me when I had the opportunity to take part in a test run of the ÖBB Railjet on the new Koralmbahn. In the future, we’ll be able to travel between Graz and Klagenfurt in just under 45 minutes – making this the fastest connection available. The train will be twice as fast as travelling by car,” Andreas Matthä, the CEO of ÖBB said.
With the completion of the Koralmbahn testing phase, the temporary line closures in Carinthia and Styria have now come to an end. “The results of the testing phase are very encouraging. They show that our calculations and models hold up under real operating conditions, and that all systems and components are functioning perfectly,” Klaus Schneider, project manager at ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG, said.
Behind the extensive testing stood a large team of highly qualified specialists. These included ÖBB experts in radio technology, rail systems, track engineering, measurement technology, and infrastructure analysis. They were supported by professionals from the operations control centre, route and timetable management, experienced instructor drivers, and external partners involved in operational planning and the ETCS.
The different vehicles used during testing were fitted with highly sensitive sensors that precisely recorded vibrations, power supply levels, and signal strength. Testing began with the track systems at speeds of up to 160 km/h. This was followed by step-by-step tests, carried out at increasing speeds, of the overhead catenary system, the GSM-R train radio system, and the ETCS.
All systems were gradually ramped up and tested at speeds 10% above the maximum operating speed of a Railjet train, which normally runs at 230 km/h, reaching the 250 km/h required for approval. This ensures that the main stations in Graz and Klagenfurt can reliably be connected in just 45 minutes. Previously, the rail journey between the two cities took nearly 3 hours. By car, the journey takes around 90 minutes.
Before freight traffic begins operating on the Koralmbahn in October, the final official approval procedures for the new line are now on the agenda. The new integrated regular interval timetable for passenger services will be completed over the summer and presented in September.
From August onwards, comprehensive training sessions will begin for the many train drivers and technical staff of ÖBB’s infrastructure management team which will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the line going forward.
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