In 2026, the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) will continue investing in the modernisation of the Franz Josef Railway and its stations to make rail services more reliable and comfortable for commuters.
Work will focus on upgrading Vienna Spittelau station and Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof, a major railway terminus in Vienna situated on the Franz Josef Railway, which runs from Vienna to Gmünd on the Czech border. In addition, modernisation will be carried out on tracks and switches along the line.
A particular emphasis of the project will be the renovation of Vienna Spittelau station, which will be fully closed from March to June 2026. During this period, a modern, customer-friendly transport hub will be constructed to meet the highest standards of comfort and safety. At the same time, approximately 2.5 km of new track will be laid and ten switches replaced on the section between Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof and Spittelau – a crucial step in preparing the line for the mobility needs of the future.
The platform ceiling at Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof will also be renovated from January to the end of June 2026. The platforms will be closed in several phases to allow modernisation work and to adapt them to accommodate more passengers.
For improved comfort, higher service frequency, and shorter travel times, ÖBB is modernising the Franz Josef Railway between 2024 and 2033. The project involves expanding infrastructure between Vienna and Gmünd to allow for a continuous hourly service, or a half-hourly service during peak periods. Commuters will benefit from reduced travel times, more frequent connections, and – for the first time – a fast, direct service from Horn to Vienna.
The modernisation and expansion of the Gmünd–Vienna line, including the installation of electronic interlockings, is scheduled for completion in 2028, allowing trains to reach speeds of up to 160 km/h on selected sections. Between 2028 and 2033, parts of the line will be newly built and electrified, providing the district capital of Horn District in Lower Austria with a direct connection to Vienna for the first time. This service is expected to commence in 2031, subject to the progress of official approvals.
Trains will operate without speed restrictions, and line capacity will increase thanks to upgrades and double-track works on sections north of Absdorf-Hippersdorf (2.5 km) and east of Irnfritz (4 km), scheduled for completion by mid-2033. The track layout at Hötzelsdorf-Geras station will also be adapted to enable trains to enter and exit more quickly.
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