Cityjet on the platform
Environmentally friendly, faster and more comfortable
The Eastern Railway is getting fit for the future: The electrification between Graz Ostbahnhof and the Hungarian state border is an essential contribution to the CO2 reduction of railway lines in Austria. 5.6 million litres of diesel and 11,000 tonnes of CO2 can be saved per year on the 80 km long line. In addition, the conversion to electricity operation brings numerous advantages for passengers.
Your benefits
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- Electrification of about 80 km of line
- Widening of the Laßnitz tunnel
- Abolition of 41 railway crossings
- Partial increase to 160 km/h
- Significant increase in frequency possible
- Improved connection to Hbf. Graz
- Through connection to Budapest possible
- Savings of 5.6 million litres of diesel and 11,000 tonnes of CO2 per year
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Main construction work
from 2026 to 2028
Graz - Gleisdorf on a 20-minute interval
In sections, the speed can be increased to 160 km/h. From Graz to Gleisdorf, intervals of 20 minutes or 30 minutes to Fehring and hourly connections to Szentgotthard will be possible during peak hours. In addition, several railway crossings along the line will be abandoned. Electrification also means an upgrade for freight transport. It represents a gap closure to the network in Hungary. In future, trains from Graz will be able to run through to Budapest. This means that the project is also in the national spotlight.
Main works planned from 2026 to 2028
In the coming years, the focus will be on planning and on official procedures. The main works are planned from 2026 to 2028. One particular challenge is the only tunnel along the route - the Laßnitz Tunnel. In order to bring the 530-metre long Laßnitz Tunnel in the Laßnitzhöhe area up to the latest standards, the cross-section must be widened. This is the only way to create space for the technical installations that are necessary for safe and modern railway operations.
