The Koralmbahn railway line between Graz and Klagenfurt is due to open on 14 December 2025. Following successful test runs, the final training phase involving all emergency services is now commencing.
Over the next few weeks, a variety of scenarios will be rehearsed in real conditions. The focus will be on the Koralm Tunnel and the underground track in the Feldkirchen area.
Special equipment and knowledge
The aim is to familiarise the emergency and rescue services with the new tunnel facilities and equipment. The exercises will also serve to test procedures and ensure the various emergency services interact smoothly. Specialised equipment and vehicles will be used, including test runs with the ÖBB 'Servicejet' – a state-of-the-art rescue train. It can tow a double Railjet, evacuate around 300 people and has 40,000-litre fire-fighting water tanks and protective ventilation. Additionally, the use of drones in the tunnel will be tested. These drones are designed to quickly assess the situation and transmit images to the operations control centre in real time.
One of the safest tunnels in the world
Around 15 per cent of the total investment costs were spent on safety measures. This includes emergency exits, fire-fighting water pipes, ventilation systems, emergency call boxes, fire detectors, access routes for emergency services, and communication systems. According to ÖBB, the Koralm Tunnel is one of the most modern and safest railway tunnels in the world, with its two tubes. A third tube, approximately one kilometre long, was built in the middle of the tunnel between the two traffic tunnels to serve as an underground evacuation and rescue area. In the event of an emergency, passengers can wait there for emergency services and rescue trains, which are stationed on both sides.
Europe-wide train safety system
Another key element of the safety concept is the ETCS (European Train Control System). It controls train speed, track occupancy and spacing, and is standardised throughout Europe. In addition, testing facilities at the entrance to the tunnel ensure that all trains are checked for technical defects, such as overheated brakes. Furthermore, the Koralm Tunnel is equipped to ensure a continuous power supply. If the power supply fails in one federal state, it can continue to be supplied from the other side. If power fails in both federal states, a blackout precautionary measure takes over. Additionally, all relevant system components inside the tunnel are installed twice.
From Graz to Klagenfurt in 45 minutes
The Koralm Railway, which forms part of the new southern route, is one of the most important infrastructure projects in Europe. The centrepiece of this project is the 33-kilometre-long Koralm Tunnel. Once operational on 14 December 2025, the fastest possible journey time between the provincial capitals will be reduced to around 45 minutes.
