Koralmbahn
FCP Shows Engineering-Power behind Austria’s Biggest Infrastructure Project.
PROJECT OF THE MONTH 12/2025_ A milestone of Austrian traffic history gains momentum.
The opening of Koralmbahn on 14 December 2025 was the conclusion of the biggest infrastructure project of Austria’s Second Republic. For the first time a continuous efficient railway route connects Graz and Klagenfurt in only 41 minutes – a quantum leap for mobility, the economy and the regions. This is the reason for highlighting the project as “FCP project of the month 12/2025” and to proudly present the key contributions of FCP to this centennial project.
Main Focus. Infrastructure
Location. Styria and Carinthia, Austria
Client. ÖBB Infrastruktur
Participating CCs . CC Railway Engineering
„ Koralmbahn is not only a building project – it is an infrastructural promise for generations. “
Dieter Pichler, managing director FCP
FCP: Key Role in Design, Equipment and Innovation
The core of the new connection is the more than 30 km long double-tube Koralmtunnel. FCP was responsible for central design and outfit services on behalf of ÖBB Infrastruktur AG and under the project management of Rudolf Felsner – including the development and optimization of the track systems (ballast-less track, floating track slabs), alignment adaptations for the compensation of shell construction tolerances as well as the development of a total logistic concept for all trades.
Furthermore, there was a focus on risk and cost management, as well as innovative solutions for the inspection of the lateral spaces and the central data filing of the outfit components. Additionally, VCE – part of the FCP.VCE group – monitored a total of 280 test and measurement runs between 2024 and 2025 including comprehensive sound level measurements.
Section Mittlern–Althofen: Progress since 2010
Since 2010 there have been intensive works in the section Mittlern–Althofen for 12 years – including the erection of a ballast-less track, several floating track slabs and the technical outfit. A special highlight: the 600 m long Drau River crossing, Carinthia’s longest railway bridge. FCP was responsible for the detailed project, bridge design and monitored the completion of the noise barrier and the deck.
“An Infrastructural Promise for Generations”
“Koralmbahn is not only a building project – it is an infrastructural promise for generations. We are very proud that we were able to take responsibility at so many decisive parts with our company group. The capability of this new connection will sustainably change rail traffic in Austria and impressively shows what engineering competence, precision and reliable partnership can achieve”, declared managing director and expert for railway engineering Dieter Pichler.
Opening and Start of Operation
Already since the beginning of November 2025 the first freight trains have run on the new route. Two days before the official start of operation there is a grand opening with special rides on 12 December. On 14 December from 4:58 a.m. the first scheduled passenger train will pass through the Koralmtunnel – the era of the direct connection between Graz and Klagenfurt starts.
