Federal government secures 60 million euros for electrification of the Pinzgau Local Railway

Background: A narrow-gauge railway for the Upper Pinzgau

During the floods of July 2021, large parts of the route between Niedernsill and the terminus were destroyed. The entire reconstruction is expected to cost nearly 50 million euros, of which around 30 million euros is attributable to the section up to the terminus that has not yet been restored. Although the railway has been running again to Mittersill since mid-2024, work on the section to Hollerbach was only resumed this year.

Reconstruction after the 2021 floods

Now the long-term modernization of the line is also on the verge of a breakthrough. As a spokesperson for Deputy Governor Stefan Schnöll (ÖVP), who is responsible for transport, told the APA on Friday, the state expects costs of around 60 million euros for the electrification, which will be split evenly between the federal government and the state.

Federal government and state share the costs

The federal government has increased the funds in the current double budget within the Medium-Term Investment Program for Private Railways (MIP) and has committed to covering 50 percent of the costs for the electrification of the approximately 53-kilometer-long line. From 2027, the federal government will provide an additional 25 million euros per year for private railway infrastructure. This raises the total budget to around 114 million euros.

Transport Minister Peter Hanke (SPÖ) emphasized the importance of the expansion: "Der Pinzgau bekommt eine moderne, leise und klimafreundliche Bahn". Hanke also pointed out that those projects for which the states also commit their financial contribution will particularly benefit from the increase.

New railcars instead of diesel

The renewal of the rolling stock is also being prepared. According to Schnöll's office, the tender for the new vehicle material is currently being prepared and is set to launch soon. A further double-digit million amount is expected for the purchase of nine four-car railcars, which will in future operate on the line instead of the previous diesel railcars.

Timeline until 2032

The timeline for the major project is ambitious: "Planning, approval and tendering are to be completed by 2030, with the overhead lines subsequently to be installed by 2032," according to the state's transport department. This would make the Pinzgau Local Railway one of the most modern narrow-gauge railways in the Alpine region within a few years.

The decision also carries a political signal. "Wer im Pinzgau lebt, pendelt oder Urlaub macht, hat genauso Anspruch auf eine verlässliche und zeitgemäße Bahn wie jemand in der Stadt," it was emphasized. The increase in the investment program was achieved despite considerable pressure to save, according to the ministry.

The Pinzgau Local Railway is thus positioned for a secure future not only structurally but also financially. After the flood years and the interrupted construction work, the federal government's commitment marks the starting signal for the next stage of a modern, electrified regional railway in the State of Salzburg.