ÖBB has announced the launch of a major modernisation and electrification project along the regional Mattersburg Railway (Mattersburger Bahn) serving the town of Mattersburg, in eastern Austria. The work is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
Over the coming years, nearly EUR 143 million will be invested in the project, which includes not only the electrification of the line but also the modernisation of stations and stops, all of which will become fully accessible for passengers with reduced mobility.
The line will be electrified between Wiener Neustadt Hauptbahnhof and Loipersbach-Schattendorf, and double tracking will be implemented from Wiener Neustadt Hbf to Katzelsdorf, as well as within Loipersbach-Schattendorf station. Adjustments will also be made to the Wiesen-Sigleß and Mattersburg viaducts to accommodate the installation of overhead wiring. In addition, the project includes the construction of technical rooms, switching stations, and signal buildings (electronic signal boxes) at various stations.
A total of six stations will be upgraded and modernised, with works including the installation of new platforms, improved accessibility, and a full renewal of platform equipment.
As part of the station upgrades, Park & Ride and Bike & Ride facilities will be built or expanded. Several level crossings will be removed and replaced with underpasses, eliminating critical points in the road network. At remaining crossings, safety enhancements will be introduced. These improvements will result in greater comfort and quality for rail passengers and increased safety for both road and rail users.
“The Mattersburg Railway is an important route for opening up the district and is especially significant for students and commuters. With the electrification of the line and the reconstruction measures, we are achieving significant improvements to make switching to the train as attractive as possible, while the use of modern electric train sets instead of the current diesel passenger trains not only reduces CO₂ emissions but also noise emissions,”said Judith Engel, Board Member of ÖBB Infrastructure.
The next construction phase, running from early October to the end of November 2025, will focus on piling work for the foundations of the overhead line masts, which will support the power cables for electric train operation. During this period, train services between Wiener Neustadt Hauptbahnhof and Sopron will run on a limited basis, with specific intervals affected in October and November.
In 2026, during the main construction phase, the Mattersburg Railway will be closed continuously from 9 February to 12 December.
Rail replacement services will be introduced to maintain connectivity during this period. ÖBB will make every effort to minimise disruption to nearby residents, though noise, dust, and some night-time work will be unavoidable during certain phases.
Once the project is complete, the line will operate with 100% green electricity, commuting times to Vienna will be shorter, and through-services from Loipersbach-Schattendorf to Vienna will be possible without transfers.
Mattersburger Bahn is part of the corridor that starts in Wiener Neustadt Hauptbahnhof and crosses the border into Sopron in Hungary.
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