Major Austrian rail upgrade

A major upgrade and refurbishment of Austria’s rail network is being financed with a €600 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB).

The works, which will include improvement of tracks, stations, bridges, signalling and telecommunications equipment, are set to be carried out by ÖBB-Infrastruktur over the next two years.

It also involves a series of electrification works, in addition to the enhancement of level crossings and other safety measures across the rail system. This builds on previous EIB funding for the construction and extension of the 25km St Polten-Loosdorf bypass and Ybbs to Amstetten extension in Austria.

According to the company behind the project, its venture will offer marked improvements to the overall quality of rail service and of safety provisions. The upgrade of the country’s rail network will contribute towards its sustainable transport policies.

It will also enable trains to travel at a higher speed and shorten commuting journeys. This is the first rail refurbishment programme of its kind being financed by the EIB.