ÖBB has confirmed that the Semmering Base Tunnel is scheduled to enter service at the end of 2029, marking a new phase for rail operations on Austria’s Southern Railway corridor between Lower Austria and Styria.
The announcement followed the first official full transit through the tunnel, when a delegation led by Austrian Mobility Minister Peter Hanke and ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä travelled from Gloggnitz to Mürzzuschlag through the completed tunnel system. National Council President Doris Bures and transport representatives from parliamentary parties also participated in the visit.
Once operational, it will replace the steep mountain route over the Semmering Pass for long-distance passenger and freight traffic.
ÖBB said the tunnel will reduce Vienna–Graz journey times to around 1 hour 50 minutes and increase capacity for freight services on the Southern Railway line.
The project reached a major construction milestone at the end of 2024 with completion of all excavation works. Current activities focus on installation of technical railway systems and completion of the concrete inner lining in sections near Gloggnitz and the Fröschnitzgraben emergency stop area.
Since summer 2025, work has concentrated on fitting out the twin-bore tunnel with track, power supply systems, operational equipment and other railway infrastructure required for commercial operations. ÖBB said this phase will continue for more than three years before commissioning begins at the end of 2029.
The Semmering Base Tunnel is expected to increase capacity and operational efficiency on the north-south rail axis through Austria while shifting additional passenger and freight traffic from road to rail.
