(2025) MiNr. 3898 ** - Austria - Death of Pope Francis (+ 21.4.2025)

Koralmbahn: A Historic Milestone in European Railway Infrastructure

The opening of the Koralm high-speed railway line represents one of the biggest transport projects in modern Europe. The link between the Austrian states of Styria and Carinthia is not only an engineering triumph, but also an important link in the Trans-European Railway Network (TEN-T), which aims to connect the EU's main regions in an efficient and environmentally friendly way.

Technical parameters and construction

Construction of the Koralm Bahn began in 2008 and was officially put into operation in December 2023. The total length of the line is approximately 130 kilometres and a key element of the entire infrastructure is the Koralm Tunnel, a 33 kilometre long double-track tunnel which is one of the longest railway tunnels in Europe.

The line is designed for a maximum speed of up to 250 km/h, which allows the travel time between Graz (Graz) and Klagenfurt to be reduced to approximately 45 minutes - compared to the original nearly three hours. The railway is electrified and built to the latest European standards of safety, interoperability and sustainability.

Importance for transport and the environment

The new high-speed line is crucial not only for speeding up passenger transport, but also for relieving road traffic in the Alpine region and for the efficient moving of goods onto the rails. As a result, the project makes a significant contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions and the overall decarbonisation of transport in the EU.

Koralm Bahn is part of the so-called Baltic-Adriatic Corridor, which is of strategic importance for connecting Northern and Southern Europe. This corridor connects ports in Poland and the Baltic States with ports on the Adriatic, thus promoting trade and mobility across the continent.

Cultural and historical impact

The launch of the Coral Line is often compared to a symbol of European cooperation and technological progress. New opportunities are emerging not only in transport and logistics, but also in tourism and regional development.