Due to deficiencies in rail connections and with regard to a sustainable transport policy, it’s an important aim of the Styrian transport policy – especially the Styrian capital Graz as TEN-node and transportation hub – to position itself within the international, national and regional rail network. A key element of this policy is the extension of the Pyhrn axis for creating a direct rail connection to Croatia, the Adriatic Sea and South East Europe. This can be ensured with an extension of the rail link between Maribor and Zagreb. The study examines:
- Potentials of the transport demand and effects on the transport network
- The strategic importance of a direct rail connection between Maribor and Zagreb
- Alternative routes including a rough estimation of construction costs.
Styria and Croatia expect from a direct railway connection between Maribor and Zagreb the improvement of international accessibility, greater spatial integration of the European railway network and a positive impact on the market share of the rail.
