Ministry of Mobility secures millions in funding for electrification of Zillertalbahn, Pinzgauer Lokalbahn and Murtalbahn Tyrol, Salzburg and Styria join forces for efficient procurement
The Zillertalbahn, Pinzgauer Lokalbahn and Murtalbahn are among the most important private railways in rural Austria. All three are facing the same transition: from diesel to electric or battery hybrid operation. The three states have now agreed to jointly tender for the necessary new vehicles for the narrow-gauge railways. The bundled procurement of a larger vehicle fleet is expected to lead to significant financial synergies both in terms of acquisition and ongoing maintenance.
This step is made possible by the Ministry of Mobility: With the double budget 2027/2028, the Medium-Term Investment Programme for Private Railways (MIP) has been significantly increased. From 2027, in addition to the previous means, an additional 25 million euros will be available annually, bringing the total budget to around 114 million euros. This will enable the modernisation of infrastructure necessary for the transition from diesel to modern battery hybrid trains. The ministry also guarantees the states of Styria, Salzburg and Tyrol a share in the funding of the procurement of the new, electrically operated vehicles, thereby enabling the prompt start of the tender.
"We have succeeded in significantly increasing the investment programme for private railways in the budget negotiations despite noticeable pressure to consolidate, thereby driving their modernisation in a targeted manner. Tyrol, Salzburg and Styria's decision to opt for a joint procurement is a prime example of efficient use of public funds. Public transport is part of public services and, especially in rural areas, people must be able to rely on a reliable and modern railway. Those who live, commute or holiday there have just as much right to a modern railway service as those in the city. I thank the regional councillors for transport Holzer, Zumtobel and Schnöll for the constructive collaboration," emphasised Federal Minister Peter Hanke.
Renè Zumtobel, Tyrol's regional councillor for mobility, confirmed: "With the joint procurement, the three federal states are writing Austrian railway history and saving a lot of tax money through the synergy effects and volume advantage. Close cooperation with the federal government has made it possible to harmonise the tender documents so that all three railways in Tyrol, Salzburg and Styria benefit, significantly reducing costs in the procurement and maintenance of the new vehicles. Furthermore, it is very encouraging that we remain on track and will commission the new battery hybrid vehicles in the Zillertal by 2030. I would like to particularly thank Federal Minister Peter Hanke for the advance funding commitments and the specialised groups, which, through intensive involvement of the railways, allow this joint tender launch."
"The Pinzgauer Lokalbahn is far more than a railway line - it is a lifeline, a mobility guarantee, and an important piece of regional identity for the entire Upper Pinzgau. We have set the course to secure the future of the Pinzgauer Lokalbahn in the long term. The new trains and the electrification of the line are a real milestone and bring a leap in quality and more passenger comfort for the people. Through the joint tender, we are utilising synergy effects and deploying resources as efficiently as possible. In this context, I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Federal Minister Hanke, who, in the constructive negotiations, paved the way for the electrification of the line and the new vehicles," said Stefan Schnöll, deputy governor of Salzburg.
Claudia Holzer, Styria's regional councillor for transport, emphasises: "Due to the rarely seen gauge of the Murtalbahn in Europe at 760 mm and the small fleet size, there is currently no real market for isolated procurement of narrow-gauge vehicles. Hence, the three federal states have joined forces to undertake the acquisition of new electric narrow-gauge rail vehicles together. The joint tender launches the flagship project of decarbonisation and enhancement of the Murtalbahn. When the travel time between Unzmarkt and Murau is reduced from the current 36 to 24 minutes, the Murtalbahn will gain additional significance for strengthening the region and will move into a forward-thinking era. Many thanks to Federal Minister Peter Hanke for always maintaining a constructive dialogue base when it comes to Styrian transport matters."
In recent months, intensive work has been carried out in various project groups on the joint tender documents, and the start of the tender is imminent. The financial synergy effects in procurement and, subsequently, in ongoing maintenance will be exploited, which arise from the larger number of tendered vehicles. The total costs are expected to be significantly reduced.
Investment in climate protection, economy and regional quality of life
All three railways are the backbone of commuting traffic for their regions, providing key connections for tourism and serving as a visible indication that public mobility remains vital in rural areas in the long term. Transitioning to modern drives also makes a significant contribution to the decarbonisation of the transport sector. At the same time, the investments will generate contracts for the rail industry, infrastructure construction and the regional construction sector over several years, thus ensuring value creation and jobs in the regions as well as throughout Austria's economic landscape.