350 million euros for Carinthia: Investments strengthen roads and rail Hanke/Fellner/Gruber/Schuschnig/Hufnagl/Matthä: Expansion of central transport axes strengthens safety, accessibility and the economic location of Carinthia
With a clear commitment to modern, safe and sustainable mobility, Mobility Minister Peter Hanke, Governor Daniel Fellner, Deputy Governor Martin Gruber, Regional Councillor Sebastian Schuschnig, as well as ASFINAG Executive Director Hartwig Hufnagl and ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä presented key infrastructure investments for Carinthia today.
The focus is on relevant projects in road and rail. In 2026, ÖBB and ASFINAG will jointly invest around 350 million euros in Carinthia. These funds will flow into the expansion and modernisation of central transport axes and make a significant contribution to regional value creation, employment and quality of life. The presented projects show a clear strategic approach: Investments in road and rail are intelligently combined to create a balanced and efficient transport system.
Federal Minister Peter Hanke emphasised: “With 350 million euros of investments in 2026, we are specifically strengthening mobility, safety and economic development in Carinthia. Our goal is an intelligent mobility mix: strong rail connections, safe roads and efficient use of existing infrastructure. Together with the state of Carinthia, we are implementing concrete measures for the people.”
Governor Daniel Fellner underlined the importance of these investments for the federal state: “These investments are a strong signal for Carinthia and its future. As Austria's southernmost federal state and an important hub in the Alpine-Adriatic region, we are particularly reliant on efficient transport connections. The targeted expansion of road and rail sensibly interlocks and creates a balanced transport system that supports economic development and noticeably eases everyday life for people. In doing so, we strengthen regional value creation, secure jobs and sustainably increase quality of life. Carinthia thus solidifies its central role as a modern and attractive location at the heart of Europe.”
157 million euros will flow into the rail sector as the backbone of sustainable mobility in Carinthia in 2026
A significant focus is on the expansion of the railway. Since 2016, around 3 billion euros have been invested in Carinthia's railway infrastructure. In 2026 alone, a further 157 million euros will be invested. The focus is on measures to make stations more attractive, to increase safety by eliminating level crossings, and on plans for the expansion of the logistics site.
Regional Councillor Sebastian Schuschnig highlighted the expansion of stations like Rothenthurn and Kappel am Krappfeld to regional mobility hubs and investments in park & ride and bike & ride facilities.
“It's not just about expanding high-performance routes, but making it attractive and easy for as many Carinthians as possible to use the train,” said the Transport Regional Councillor Sebastian Schuschnig. Essential for Carinthia as a logistics location are also the investments agreed with ÖBB in the LCA-Fürnitz. “Our joint goal is to further develop and position the ÖBB terminal Villach-Fürnitz as a high-quality location for rail freight transport in the Alpine-Adriatic region.”
ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä added: “In the first year after the commissioning of the Koralm railway, we are taking further steps to make the railway in Carinthia even more attractive for our passengers and for the economy. Through targeted investments in modern stations, more safety and efficient logistics, impulses directly reach where they should - the people. This sustainably strengthens quality of life and the economic location.”
Road network as a vital lifeline – ASFINAG invests 193 million euros in 2026
There is also massive investment in the high-ranking road network. In 2026, ASFINAG will invest around 193 million euros, and by 2027, a total of around 440 million euros in Carinthia. A central project is the full expansion of the Karawanken tunnel, which increases traffic safety, reduces congestion and improves international connectivity.
Deputy Governor Martin Gruber explained: “I am convinced that modern infrastructure is an important basis for location development. Roads are lifelines and we will need them, regardless of the form of propulsion we use.” Carinthia is an export country, located at the intersection of several transport axes, and is a country of commuters. “Therefore, the willingness of the government and ASFINAG to continue investing here is an important signal to the people of Carinthia, but also to the economic location,” says Gruber.
ASFINAG Executive Director Hartwig Hufnagl emphasised: “Our investments amounting to 1.3 billion euros by 2031 have multiple benefits: They bring more safety for all drivers, make Carinthia's infrastructure future-proof, and secure and create jobs because these investments mean contracts for regional companies.”
Special challenges exist on the Tauern motorway A10, where extensive renovations – such as at the Katschberg and Tauern tunnels – are necessary. Overall, investments of around 1.3 billion euros are planned in the coming years, which also generate strong economic impulses in the region.