Rail this week: Five signals to know
Signal 1: Austria opens the Koralm high-performance Alpine line
Austria has opened the new Koralm line between Graz and Klagenfurt to passenger traffic, including the 32 km Koralm base tunnel. The line is designed for mixed traffic and for speeds of up to 250 km/h, completing a long-missing rail link through the Alps.
The opening strengthens north–south connectivity on the Baltic–Adriatic corridor and adds capacity on a strategically important Alpine crossing. After more than two decades of construction, Koralm now shifts from project to operational asset, with direct implications for both long-distance passenger services and freight flows.
2. Hungary cuts rail infrastructure and wagonload support
Hungary has reduced funding for railway infrastructure while also withdrawing state support for single wagonload freight. Funds previously allocated to rail development have been redirected toward road projects, prompting concern among operators and industry bodies.
The decision weakens already fragile wagonload operations and risks accelerating a modal shift from rail to road. It also runs counter to EU objectives on freight decarbonisation, particularly on regional and cross-border corridors where wagonload services often provide the only rail option.
3. Germany launches a shared train-crew platform
German freight operators are rolling out WILSON.Share, a digital platform that enables qualified train drivers to be shared across companies. The system is intended to reduce idle time caused by staff shortages and uneven crew availability.
Rather than competing for the same limited labour pool, operators can pool personnel capacity in a controlled framework. The initiative represents a pragmatic operational response to a structural constraint and a rare example of cooperation in a fragmented freight market.
4. Czech Republic moves to ETCS-only operation
The Czech rail network has entered a new operational phase with the introduction of ETCS-only running on key main lines. Conventional lineside signals have been switched off across large parts of the core network.
The move improves safety and interoperability, particularly for international services. More importantly, it marks a transition from pilot deployment to normalised digital operation — a threshold that many European networks are still approaching.
5. Latvia orders battery-electric regional trains
Latvia has ordered battery-electric multiple units from Škoda to replace diesel trains on non-electrified regional routes. The trains will operate on partially electrified lines and recharge at terminal stations.
The order reflects a growing preference for battery traction where full electrification is not economically justified. For Latvia, it represents a concrete step in rolling-stock renewal and decarbonisation without waiting for long-term infrastructure upgrades.