ÖBB is operating at full capacity. The restrictions on the Western Railway pose multiple challenges, impacting both passenger and freight traffic. However, connections cannot be resumed until all damage is repaired and all technical facilities are thoroughly inspected to ensure safe train operations.
As a result, even after the latest crisis meeting that concluded on Thursday evening, there were no significant updates regarding the western route: Currently, only one track is available on the “old western route.” “We are diligently working to reopen the second track for train operations,” the written statement asserts, but wet slopes in the area are still unstable: “These need to be closely monitored.”
Some tunnels remain flooded
The Lainzer Tunnel is now clear of water, but this has not yet been achieved in other tunnels, such as the Atzenbrugger Tunnel. It is not possible at this time to predict when the new route, where trains can travel at speeds exceeding 200 km/h, can be reinstated.
To facilitate this, it is essential to inspect all operating systems within the tunnel and all electronics that were submerged.
From Friday at 4:55 a.m. to 8:55 p.m., ÖBB plans to deploy double sets of trains from Vienna’s main station onto the route every hour, although this has not yet occurred. This is intended to double passenger capacity, as indicated by its name. The ÖBB could not confirm whether this hourly operation would be feasible.
Double sets on the move
In any case, double trains are unable to stop at Vöcklabruck and Neumarkt am Wallersee due to insufficient platform lengths. ÖBB refers travelers to local transport options and Westbahn, which services these two stations on its hourly runs (5:38 a.m. to 8:38 p.m. from Vienna’s Westbahnhof). “Tickets will continue to be mutually accepted,” ÖBB assures.
In the opposite direction, trains operate from Salzburg to Vienna Central Station from 5:11 a.m. to 8:11 p.m., while the Westbahn runs hourly to Westbahnhof from 5:52 a.m. to 7:52 p.m.
After 9 p.m., no more passenger trains will be processed “to allow freight trains to pass,” explains an ÖBB spokesperson.
The emergency bus service between Vienna Central Station and St. Pölten (operating every two hours from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.) will continue on Friday and then be discontinued – demand has significantly declined since the introduction of two hourly connections.
As previously reported, the Nightjets between Vienna and Bregenz, Zurich, Venice, Hamburg, and Amsterdam will also resume operations from Friday, while other routes (e.g., to Rome) have been in service since Wednesday or Thursday.
Clean-up and repair work is still ongoing on numerous railway lines in Lower Austria. Approximately 500 employees are currently engaged in damage repair efforts. The situation is being continuously assessed, and routes are being reopened for rail traffic.
Starting Friday, trains will operate as scheduled on the following routes: St. Pölten – Traisen – Hainfeld, Krems – Absdorf-Hippersdorf to Vienna, Krems – St. Pölten, Retz – Stockerau to Vienna, and Gutenstein – Oberpiesting to Wiener Neustadt.
However, short-term cancellations and delays are still to be anticipated. ÖBB also advises “postponing non-urgent travel on the western route between Vienna and Salzburg.”
ÖBB’s Ongoing Work on the Western Railway
The ÖBB (Österreichische Bundesbahnen) is currently working at full speed to address the issues plaguing the Western Railway. Restrictions on this key transportation route pose challenges not only for passenger traffic but also for freight services. While efforts are being made to expedite the reopening of connections, comprehensive damage repairs and thorough technical checks are essential to guarantee the safety of train travel.
Status of the Western Route
Following the recent crisis meeting held Thursday evening, there have been no significant changes regarding the operation of the western route. Presently, only one track on the “old western route” is available for use. The ÖBB is diligently working towards reopening the second track; however, the situation of wet, shifting slopes requires vigilant monitoring to avert any potential risks.
Current Routing Limitations
Currently, several tunnels remain affected by water, impacting overall operational capacity. The Lainzer Tunnel has been cleared of water, but the Atzenbrugger Tunnel, among others, remains submerged. There is still uncertainty regarding when the new route, capable of handling trains at speeds over 200 km/h, can resume service. Each operating system and all electronic components in the affected tunnels must be thoroughly inspected post-water exposure before resuming routes.
Passenger Services and Capacity Expansion
From Friday, starting at 4:55 a.m., the ÖBB plans to operate double sets of trains from Vienna’s main station at an hourly interval until 8:55 p.m. This initiative aims to double passenger capacity along the route. However, operational challenges persist; double trains will not be able to stop at Vöcklabruck and Neumarkt am Wallersee due to short platform lengths.
Alternative Transport Options
The ÖBB has pointed travelers to local transport solutions as well as the Westbahn service, which provides hourly journeys to these stations (5:38 a.m. to 8:38 p.m. from Vienna’s Westbahnhof). Ticket acceptance is guaranteed between ÖBB and Westbahn services.
Train Schedules
Trains running from Salzburg to Vienna Central Station will operate from 5:11 a.m. to 8:11 p.m., while the Westbahn will adhere to an hourly schedule. After 9 p.m., ÖBB has prioritized freight train movement, leading to the suspension of additional passenger trains.
Emergency Bus Services
An emergency bus program connecting Vienna Central Station and St. Pölten operates every two hours (6 a.m. to 8 p.m.), though demand has significantly declined since the introduction of two hourly train connections. This service will be discontinued after Friday.
Night Train Services
Additionally, Nightjet services between Vienna and key destinations such as Bregenz, Zurich, Venice, Hamburg, and Amsterdam are set to resume. Other routes, including those heading to Rome, commenced operations earlier in the week.
Current Repair and Cleanup Efforts
Repair and cleanup operations continue across many railway lines in Lower Austria, with approximately 500 staff members mobilized to address the extensive damage. The ÖBB continually assesses the conditions and routes to optimize reopening schedules for rail traffic.
Routes Resuming Service
Effective from Friday, the following routes will resume scheduled services: St. Pölten – Traisen – Hainfeld, Krems – Absdorf-Hippersdorf to Vienna, Krems – St. Pölten, Retz – Stockerau to Vienna, and Gutenstein – Oberpiesting to Wiener Neustadt.
Travel Recommendations
Passengers should remain vigilant regarding potential cancellations and delays, as the ÖBB advises postponing non-urgent travel on the western route connecting Vienna and Salzburg during this period.
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Check Real-Time Updates: Always refer to the ÖBB website or mobile app for real-time train schedules and service updates.
- Consider Alternative Routes: If traveling to Vöcklabruck or Neumarkt am Wallersee, consider using Westbahn services for uninterrupted travel.
- Book Tickets in Advance: Ensure availability on the double trains by booking tickets ahead of time during peak travel hours.
- Be Prepared for Delays: Allow extra travel time, especially during the ongoing repair efforts.
The Importance of Safe Train Travel
Ensuring the safety of train travel remains paramount for the ÖBB. Each inspection and repair process plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of rail services. Therefore, the ongoing support from passengers during this transitional phase is crucial.
