Construction Start for Vienna S-Bahn Ring Still Uncertain

The framework plan for the financing of railway projects has recently been presented. ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä highlights the challenges that go beyond the reduced budget, particularly the lengthy approval processes.

Challenges in the Expansion of the S-Bahn in Vienna

During the presentation of the current framework plan for the financing of railway projects, ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä expressed concerns regarding the reduced budget. According to Matthä, not only is the budget reduced by seven percent a significant factor for the challenges, but also the long waiting times for the issuance of construction permits. An example of this is the S-Bahn ring in Vienna, whose construction has been delayed for five years.

Waiting for Approvals for the S-Bahn Ring Project in Vienna

The planned S-Bahn ring is to consist of the S45 and S80 lines and include transfers at Hütteldorf and Praterkai. New stops such as Reichsbrücke and Donaumarina will be part of the project, which is considered the centerpiece of Vienna's rail transport. The optimization of cross-connections and the shortening of travel times are intended to particularly benefit commuters from the surrounding areas.

Despite the ambitious plans, the start of construction remains uncertain, as the Federal Administrative Court still needs to issue the necessary approval. ÖBB CEO Matthä is optimistic and expects a decision in the summer that could enable the construction of the western section over the Vienna River. Infrastructure Minister Peter Hanke (SPÖ) emphasizes the need to create long-term planning security and remains optimistic about the progress.

Protests of the Citizen Initiatives

Citizen initiatives have been raising their concerns for years, particularly regarding the potential felling of hundreds of trees and the increase in freight traffic on the new route. However, the ÖBB has dismissed these concerns.

Originally, the connecting railway was supposed to be completed this year, but now there is the prospect that construction could begin this year, while the final works are not expected to be completed until 2036. Although the current framework plan allocates financial resources, a specific start date for construction is still pending.

Billions for Financing Railway Projects

The new ÖBB framework plan provides for financing of 19.7 billion euros for a total of 41 projects from 2025 to 2030. This represents a reduction compared to the originally planned 58 projects due to budgetary austerity pressures.

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This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.