ÖBB Challenge BVwG Decision on Ebenfurth Rail Loop

The BVwG had partially revoked already granted permits due to lack of jurisdiction, as was announced last week. The ÖBB Infrastructure AG and the involved authorities do not share this legal view. Therefore, the decision will be appealed to the highest courts, it was stated in a press release on Friday.

The BVwG declared itself not competent for the proceedings concerning the loop towards Burgenland, as it doubts the jurisdiction of the authorities that conducted the approval procedures. These included the Ministry of Infrastructure as well as the states of Lower Austria and Burgenland. The ÖBB and the authorities see this differently, and the ÖBB have now announced an appeal of the decision to the highest courts, the Administrative and Constitutional Court. An appeal to the Administrative Court by the approval authorities is also highly likely, it was further stated.

Work on Pottendorfer Line from August

The start of construction for the Ebenfurth loop depends on the outcome of the decisions of the higher instances, which will inevitably delay the planned start of construction. "In the foreseeable future," there will thus be "no improvements to the current timetable" on the Pottendorfer Line and the Raaberbahn.

Other modernization works on the route can, however, be implemented and will begin in August 2025. For example, the Pottendorf-Landegg and Ebenfurth stations are to be modernized or newly constructed, as well as a four-track crossing area for trains in the south of Pottendorf. These measures are essential for the rerouting of long-distance traffic from the Southern Railway to the Pottendorfer Line.

(APA/Red)

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