Murtalbahn goes electric: Federal government secures co-financing Minister of Transport Hanke: "30 percent federal involvement creates the basis for the switch to electric trains in Murau District"
The Murtalbahn connects, over 66 kilometres, the Unzmarkt station on the Rudolfsbahn with Murau, Predlitz-Turrach on the border to Salzburg and finally Tamsweg. This important connection in Murau District is now set to be converted to electric operation.
With the double budget 2027/2028, the federal government has significantly increased the 'Medium-Term Investment Programme for Private Railways' (MIP): From 2027, in addition to the regular funds for the private railway infrastructure, an additional 25 million euros per year will be available from the federal level. This increases the total budget to around 114 million euros.
The increase in funding will enable the necessary modernisations for electric operation to be implemented. The federal government also ensures partial co-financing for the procurement of new, electrically powered vehicles to the state of Styria, thus enabling the prompt start of the tender process.
"With this commitment, we are creating the prerequisites for a project that is of great importance to the entire Murau District. The Murtalbahn has been a reliable connection for the people in Murtal for decades; now we are giving it a future with modern, electric trains. With a federal involvement of around 30 percent in vehicle procurement, we are creating the conditions for the tender process to start soon. Investments in such railway lines are investments in quality of life and in a functional infrastructure that people can rely on in the long term," emphasises Federal Minister Peter Hanke.
More speed and more quality on the route
Governor Mario Kunasek: “The constructive basis for discussions with Federal Minister Peter Hanke is once again bearing fruit. The electrification of the Murtalbahn is a milestone for the entire region. My thanks go to the Federal Minister, because with this commitment the Murtalbahn, as the most important component of the public transport network in upper Murtal, will enter a new, forward-looking era.”
Transport Councillor Claudia Holzer: “With the now confirmed commitment, the flagship project of decarbonisation of the Murtalbahn can be further advanced. We will promptly begin planning, and in the coming years the necessary procedures will be carried out. Now, we can also finalise the tender for new, electric narrow-gauge vehicles with the operators of the Zillertalbahn, Pinzgauer Lokalbahn, and Murtalbahn. I also wish to thank Federal Minister Hanke, who always has an open ear for Styrian transport matters.”
Wolfgang Moitzi, spokesperson for the Transport Committee in the National Council: “As chairman of the Transport Committee, I am extremely pleased that we have managed to avoid cuts to the 'Medium-Term Investment Programme for Private Railways' despite the necessary austerity measures in the federal budget, and instead increase it significantly. This makes it possible to implement the long-standing demand for electrification of the Murtalbahn from my home region and thus further enhance public transport. The Murtalbahn is a vital public connection and lifeline for the people of Murau, and with these investments it finally enters the 21st century. I thank Minister Hanke for his commitment; this shows how important rural areas and the expansion of public transportation are to us as Social Democrats!”
Backbone for the region and the economy
In addition to vehicle procurement and electrification, the project also includes the enhancement of infrastructure and adaptation of workshops. A key effect is that the travel time between Unzmarkt and Murau is expected to reduce from currently 36 to 24 minutes. For commuters and students, for whom the Murtalbahn is indispensable in daily life, this means significantly shorter travel times. At the same time, the picturesque route remains attractive for tourists; steam operation will still be offered in the summer months.
Murau District is one of the regions where tourism is a significant economic factor. A powerful, modern rail connection strengthens both the daily mobility of the population and the tourist accessibility of the region. Moreover, the modernisations, carried out over several years, generate orders for the railway industry and the regional construction sector, thereby securing employment in rural areas as well as the overall economic location of Austria. With the now secured federal involvement, the project is a step closer to becoming a reality, which is a commitment by Styria, the Land Salzburg, and the federal government to strong public infrastructure outside the urban centres.