Beyond the adoption of the Austrian target network for 2025+, the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) also investigates the expansion of the east bound line to Budapest for long-distance service in passenger transport. The project aims to create a direct connection from Vienna via Vienna Airport to the eastern border at Hegyeshalom, where it should merge with the existing route to Budapest. Benefits include relief of the existing line, which is a major axis of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) and the direct connection of Vienna Airport to Budapest and Bratislava.
ÖIR in this context has conducted a potential study on behalf of ÖBB, which analysed the market potential for the segments business, tourism and commuting. The study analysed different variants according to passenger volumes in long-distance and regional rail transport, modal split and impacts on the environment.
