A milestone event for Styria and Carinthia
On 12 December 2025 it finally happened: with the ceremonial opening of the Koralmbahn, a new era begins for Styria and Carinthia. The two central urban areas, Graz and Klagenfurt, are now connected by a journey of just 45 minutes, giving a strong impetus to a shared economic area: AREA SÜD. The presidents of the Chambers of Commerce of Styria and Carinthia, Josef Herk and Jürgen Mandl, describe this project as a once-in-a-century opportunity for southern Austria.
Decades of planning and construction
After decades of planning and construction, the Koralmbahn is now a reality. This once-in-a-century project offers many opportunities for Styria and Carinthia. The two regions are drawing closer not only geographically but also economically, creating a shared economic area that is the second largest in Austria. AREA SÜD covers one third of Austria's area and includes around 1.8 million inhabitants, over 50,000 employers and 730,000 employees, who generate an economic output of nearly €70 billion.
Positive response from the business community
A survey by the Chambers of Commerce of Styria and Carinthia among 1,085 member companies shows that 90 percent rate the increased cooperation between the two federal states as positive or mostly positive. Companies see the greatest opportunities in higher labor mobility (61 percent), improved accessibility of the districts (59 percent), and increased economic significance (52 percent).
Political measures to ensure success
For the Koralmbahn to be a success, political measures are necessary. 67 percent of respondents call for a faster expansion of infrastructure, particularly in the areas of broadband, photovoltaics and pumped-storage power plants. 57 percent advocate harmonizing regional laws, while 51 percent support a joint brand presence. For this reason, the Chambers of Commerce have launched the umbrella brand AREA SÜD to institutionalize a strategic and operational alliance.
Focus on infrastructure measures
- Expansion of the key rail sections along the Koralm Railway: Graz - Bruck section and the Klagenfurt - Villach freight corridor
- Expansion of central rail lines away from the Koralm Railway: InterRegio connection Klagenfurt - Bruck/Mur
- Expansion of secondary and feeder connections to the Koralm Railway: public transport expansion in Upper Carinthia and expansion of rail lines in southern/eastern Styria
- Expansion of cross-state road infrastructure: safety upgrades on S36/37
- Connection of Graz Airport to the Koralm Railway and preservation or revitalization of the Kühnsdorf freight transfer station
Making the region more attractive for business and living
- Deregulation initiative at the state level
- Reduce grid tariffs and expand energy networks
- Expansion of school offerings in the HTL sector and cooperation in higher education
- Comprehensive care provision in urban and rural areas
- Joint marketing of AREA SÜD's tourism offerings
A new era for the region
Josef Herk, President of the Styrian Chamber of Commerce, emphasizes: "For the south of Austria, the Koralmbahn is a once-in-a-century opportunity. It will create, along the Graz–Klagenfurt axis, the country's second-largest metropolitan area, which also represents a significant entity on an international scale." Jürgen Mandl, President of the Carinthian Chamber of Commerce, adds: "With the Koralmbahn, what belongs together grows together. For Carinthia, this is a true quantum leap — we are no longer peripheral, but in the middle of a new center of economic dynamism."
Future outlook: What can we expect?
The future of AREA SÜD looks promising. With the Koralmbahn as its centerpiece, the region is expected to gain importance nationally and internationally. Increased economic cooperation could lead to a rise in company relocations and innovations. The infrastructure projects planned as part of the Koralmbahn will not only improve mobility but also enhance the quality of life for people in the region.
Experts agree that the Koralmbahn is a catalyst for economic growth. "The Koralmbahn will not only revolutionize passenger transport but also make freight transport more efficient," explains Dr. Maximilian Hofer, transport expert at the University of Graz. "This could, in the long term, lead to an increase in the region's competitiveness in the European context."
A comparison with other regions
The success of the Koralmbahn could serve as a model for other regions in Austria and Europe. Similar projects, such as the Gotthard Base Tunnel in Switzerland, have shown that improved transport connections can lead to a substantial economic upturn. The Koralmbahn has the potential to make the region not only a national but also an international transport hub.
Concrete impacts on citizens
The people in the region will directly benefit from the Koralmbahn. The reduced travel time between Graz and Klagenfurt will make commuting easier and improve quality of life. In addition, the increased economic activity will create jobs and raise the region's prosperity. "The Koralmbahn is not just a transport project, but a quality-of-life project," Dr. Hofer added.
Conclusion
The opening of the Koralmbahn marks the beginning of a new era for Styria and Carinthia. With AREA SÜD as a new economic center in Austria, both federal states face exciting times ahead. The political and economic measures implemented in conjunction with the Koralmbahn could make the region a showcase location in Europe. The future looks bright, and the Koralmbahn is the train driving that future.
