On 14 May 2025, ÖBB presented its 2025–2030 rail investment plan to modernise and expand its network, reaffirming its commitment to completing all ongoing projects. In addition, the plan includes new initiatives as well as maintenance activities, for which EUR 4.8 billion will be allocated.
With a total investment of EUR 19.7 billion, ÖBB will continue to invest more than EUR 3.2 billion annually in the rail network. Although the amount has been slightly reduced as part of the federal government’s budget consolidation efforts, it still remains at a high level, ÖBB states. As such, the expansion and modernisation plan will proceed in 2025 at the elevated investment level established in 2024, despite cost-saving requirements.
“Given the challenging budgetary situation, it goes without saying that ÖBB must also play its part. However, I want to stress that every rail project already underway will be completed, and we are staying the course with our expansion plans,” said Andreas Matthä, CEO of ÖBB.
Under the 2024–2029 rail investment plan, EUR 21.1 billion had been earmarked for rail expansion and modernisation programmes.
The projects will enhance the stability, quality, and capacity of the network. The plan also supports improved service provision in urban areas, furthers the decarbonisation of rail transport, and secures the future of railway operations through digitalisation and modernisation initiatives.
ÖBB will continue key ongoing projects such as the Koralmbahn, the Semmering Base Tunnel, and the Brenner Base Tunnel, along with essential initiatives to enable the four-track expansion of the Western Line. Other major projects to improve urban mobility, such as the modernisation of the S-Bahn in Vienna, will also remain on track.
ÖBB also notes that while no project will be cancelled, some may be postponed or implemented over an extended period. These include the connection between the Eastern Railway and the Airport Express Line (Kledering Loop, Lower Austria), the new Köstendorf–Salzburg line, and measures in the Enns Valley (Salzburg/Styria).
In addition, projects will be undertaken to expand the public transport network, with a focus on regional connections in the provinces of Lower Austria, Upper Austria, and Styria.
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