Zillertal Railway: Mobility Minister Hanke secures funding for modernisation
The federal government contributes to the costs for the transition from diesel trains to battery hybrid trains. Hanke: "An important step for modern and climate-friendly mobility in the Zillertal"
With the double budget for 2027/2028, the federal government has significantly increased the medium-term investment programme for private railways (MIP): From 2027, an additional 25 million euros per year will be available for the infrastructure of private railways, in addition to the regular funds. This increases the total budget to approximately 114 million euros. This allows the necessary modernisation of the infrastructure for the transition from diesel to modern battery hybrid trains to be implemented. The government also provides the state of Tyrol with a partial co-financing for the procurement of new electrically powered vehicles, enabling the prompt start of the tender process.
"Despite noticeable consolidation pressure, we succeeded in the budget negotiations in significantly increasing the medium-term investment programme for private railways to ensure the most urgent infrastructure projects. This means that projects for which the states also provide a financing commitment can be implemented. With the present double budget, federal participation in the upcoming vehicle acquisitions for the Zillertal Transport Company is possible. Public transport, in my view, is part of essential services – especially in rural regions like the Zillertal, people must be able to rely on a reliable, modern and climate-friendly railway. In addition, the modernisations represent a driver for the economy, employment and tourism in the region. I thank the state of Tyrol for the excellent cooperation and am pleased that we can initiate an improvement for passengers," emphasises Federal Minister Peter Hanke.
"Decarbonisation of the Zillertal Railway is a key project for the region and the state. I am pleased that with support from Tyrol, we were able to secure the necessary federal funds for the timely transition to electrified propulsion. With the support of Federal Minister Peter Hanke and the commitment of the Zillertal, nothing stands in the way of rapid implementation. Special thanks also go to Deputy Governor Josef Geisler and National Councillor Franz Hörl, who have significantly advanced this joint initiative. We must now lose no time and make optimal use of the available funds from the federal government, the state, and the region," explains Tyrol's Governor Anton Mattle.
A decisive step towards climate-friendly rail transport in Zillertal
Regional Councillor René Zumtobel is pleased: "The effort in the federal budget negotiations has paid off for Tyrol. With the federal government's financing commitment now in place for new infrastructure and vehicles, we can proceed with the next project steps. This brings us a significant step closer to decarbonisation and by 2030 a new era of emission-free mobility in the Zillertal will begin."
"I am pleased that the federal government is taking the lead and thank Federal Minister Peter Hanke and Governor Toni Mattle for their determination and perseverance in view of the strained national financial situation," says Member of the National Council Franz Hörl.
The Zillertal is heavily traffic burdened due to tourism and commuter traffic, and the currently diesel-powered vehicles of the Zillertal Railway have reached the end of their technical lifespan. Therefore, a timely decision on the future course of action for the operation of the railway was crucial. Modernisation of the vehicle fleet is thus a significant contribution to a functional and reliable rail connection. The transition to climate-friendly battery hybrid trains is simultaneously an important step towards decarbonisation of the transport sector. The new, modern and barrier-free trains are intended to meet the region's requirements and make local public transport in the valley more attractive and efficient—benefiting commuters as well as visitors to the region.
Modernisation as a driver for economy, employment and tourism
The project represents a substantial public investment volume, providing orders for the railway industry, infrastructure construction (overhead lines, charging infrastructure, substations) and the regional construction industry over several years, thereby securing value creation and jobs in the region and in Austria as a whole.
The Zillertal Railway is also of considerable economic importance for Tirol's most tourism-focused region, as it is an integral part of the tourist infrastructure, partly due to its connection to ski resorts. For the Zillertal municipalities, which are majority co-owners of the railway through the Zillertal Transport Company AG, the project is a clear commitment to long-term secured public regional mobility.