Austria’s new Koralm high-speed line, the Koralm Railway, is now open and passengers can finally experience its benefits. This monumental project marks a major achievement in Austrian rail upgrade, connecting Graz and Klagenfurt. Construction of the Koralm Railway took 27 long years, with a total cost reaching €5.9 billion. This represents a significant investment in the new Austrian railway, part of a larger European vision. The Koralm Railway is a key part of the Baltic-Adriatic Corridor, a vital European transport route linking the Baltic Sea to the Adriatic. This new Austrian railway strengthens Austria’s role, positioning it as a leading rail nation and enhancing connectivity for freight and passengers. The Koralm Railway is truly a game-changer for regional and international travel.
The Koralm Railway: A Monumental Construction Feat
The Koralm Railway is a massive undertaking, spanning 130 kilometers. This includes 50 kilometers of tunnels and over 100 bridges. The Koralm Railway features 23 modern stations, with its heart being the Koralm Tunnel. This tunnel, a critical component of the Koralm Railway, is 32.9 kilometers long and is one of the longest railway tunnels globally. The Koralm Tunnel presented a major engineering challenge. Construction of the Koralm Railway began in 2008, with tunnel breakthroughs occurring in 2018 and 2020. The final construction phase of the Koralm Railway concluded in 2024. This vast project was managed with foresight, with ÖBB’s project leader Klaus Schneider crediting their success to looking 20 years ahead. Risk assessment and inflation were key factors, with continuous updates to their tools ensuring cost control. The Koralm Railway project stayed within its budget, a rarity for such large infrastructure works.
Revolutionizing South Austrian Travel with the Koralm Railway
The new Koralm Railway dramatically cuts travel times. Journeys between Graz and Klagenfurt now take just 41 minutes, a huge improvement over the previous two-hour trip. This drastic reduction encourages rail travel, offering a compelling alternative to cars and supporting Austria’s climate goals. The Koralm Railway significantly boosts regional connectivity, making southern Austria more accessible. This is a boost for business and tourism, and new economic opportunities are emerging. The Koralm Railway project anticipates population growth and increased commuter flows, creating a new urban agglomeration. The Graz-Klagenfurt connection area becomes a major economic hub thanks to the Koralm Railway.
Modernizing the Fleet for the Koralm Railway Era
The ÖBB is also upgrading its trains to complement the Koralm Railway. They are modernizing the entire Railjet fleet, with all 60 existing trains to be upgraded by 2031. This program brings trains up to the latest standards, offering passengers enhanced comfort with new seats, improved lighting, and better amenities. The first modernized Railjet, nicknamed the “Koralmjet,” is ready and debuted on December 12, 2025, showing its connection to the new Koralm Railway. These upgrades benefit long-distance travel and prepare for future international routes, with the trains set to serve Germany, Switzerland, and Italy.
A New Era Begins with the Koralm Railway Austria
The Koralm Railway officially opens for passenger service on December 14, 2025. This date marks a new chapter for Austrian rail and signifies the culmination of decades of planning and construction for the Koralm Railway Austria. The Koralm Railway represents a significant step forward, offering faster, greener, and more comfortable travel. This record travel times achievement is a testament to engineering and vision, connecting regions and driving economic progress. The Koralm Railway is now trending, offering exclusive travel experiences. These are exciting happenings for Austria’s future thanks to the Koralm Railway.
