Savings Package Also Affects ÖBB: 1.4 Billion Euros Less for Railway Expansion

Originally, 21.1 billion euros were planned for the period 2024 to 2029 before the new federal government implemented austerity measures. The ÖBB stated that this is a "contribution to the federal budget consolidation." Despite the austerity requirements, the expansion and modernization plan will, according to ÖBB, "continue on the high basis of 2024."

ÖBB want to complete started railway projects despite austerity package

Once again, railway chief Andreas Matthä assured "that every started railway project will be completed and we will maintain our course in the expansion of the railway." This concerns, in addition to the Koralmbahn, which will be operational in 2025, the Semmering Base Tunnel as well as the Brenner Base Tunnel and also projects to implement the four-track expansion of the western route. "Essential key projects to enhance the mobility offer in metropolitan areas - such as the modernization of the Vienna S-Bahn - also remain on track," said Matthä.

ÖBB regional railways could become bus routes

However, some projects will be implemented later or over a longer period. This concerns, for example, the connection between the Eastern Railway and the airport express railway (Klederinger Loop, Lower Austria), the new line between Köstendorf and Salzburg (Salzburg) or measures in the Ennstal (Salzburg/Styria). Also, those few regional railways with particularly few passengers will be examined. A conversion to bus connections is conceivable here. On Wednesday, the SPÖ, which appoints the new Minister of Transport with Peter Hanke, assured that the railway expansion will continue. "With the new ÖBB framework plan, we continue this success story and invest in our future," said SPÖ transport spokesperson Wolfgang Moitzi.

Sharp criticism of austerity package for ÖBB

The Greens criticized the new ÖBB framework plan as a "complete climate failure that cuts the future and invests in the past": "The turquoise-red-pink government continues to pour billions into the construction of new roads, while at the same time closing regional railways," said Lukas Hammer, transport spokesperson for the Greens. Rather, regional railways should be preserved, enhanced, and converted to a climate-neutral drive with overhead lines or battery trains.

A "closure spree" of regional railways is "a completely wrong signal, an imposition on the population, especially in rural areas, and therefore simply unacceptable," also criticized FPÖ transport spokesperson and Secretary General NAbg. Christian Hafenecker the new ÖBB framework plan, which foresees cuts in railway expansion by 1.4 billion euros and the conversion of regional railways to bus routes. A forward-looking transport policy must focus on both the expansion of public transport and roads to meet the mobility needs of the population.

Criticism also came from Carinthia's Chamber of Commerce President Jürgen Mandl - he is particularly upset about the postponement of ÖBB investments in the logistics hub Villach-Fürnitz. "One really has to ask what signatures on contracts are actually worth," said Mandl in reference to the signing of a "Memorandum of Understanding" for the project a year ago. The approach of the ÖBB is "unacceptable": "The Koralmbahn and the preliminary work for the Europe-wide unique customs corridor from Fürnitz to the port of Trieste are among the most important location projects in Carinthia. And the ÖBB is leaving us hanging in a reckless manner."

(APA/Red)

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