Fight for the Almtalbahn: Wels relies on future -proof mobility!

Fight for the Almtalbahn: Wels relies on future -proof mobility!

Wels, Österreich - The Wels municipal council unanimously adopted a resolution to continue operating the Almtalbahn on May 29, 2025. This decision was made across faction and reflects the city's great interest in securing the railway line between Wels and Grünau in the long term. Mayor Andreas Rabl (FPÖ) vehemently spoke out against the intended attitude of the Almtalbahn, which he described as the "Schildbürgerstreich". In recent years, millions have also been invested in the renovation of the route and in the new building of the Wels local station.

The mobility city councilor Stefan Ganzert (SPÖ) warned of the negative effects of a possible decommissioning, especially for access to the fair. He therefore called for an attractiveness of the Almtalbahn through electrification and denser clocking. The Almtalbahn is considered a central mobility axis for pupils, commuters and trade fair guests, which is why the elimination of this connection would significantly weaken the entire region. It is all the more surprising that the existence of the Almtalbahn has been at risk.

fears about final decommissioning

as from MeinDzirk.at , new plans of the infrastructure ministry are concerned about the final decommissioning of the alpine valley. The new framework plan for the 2025 to 2030, which was created by the ÖBB and the Ministry, sets the investment focus and provides for high investments in the rail. Minister of Mobility Peter Hanke (SPÖ) has promised a large amount of investment, but austerity measures are still required due to budgetary challenges.

The discussion about possible alternatives, including the changeover to bus connections, picked up speed. Mayor Rabl criticized the situation and described the plans as the "stair joke of history". In view of the recently made large investments in the electrification of the Almtalbahn, the lack of understanding and anger in the region is understandable. Mayor Gerhard Huber (ÖVP) from Sattledt expressed astonishment on the plans for decommissioning, while the environmental and climate city councilor Thomas Rammerstorfer (Greens) demands maintaining the electrification.

regional reactions and economic concerns

In addition, WKO also express concerns about WKO, such as Alexander Huber and Franz Edlbauer, regarding the economic effects of decommissioning. The National Council MP Ralph Schallmeiner (Greens) also sees great potential for the Almtalbahn. The State Councilor Günther Steinkellner (FPÖ) criticized the announcement as a realistic way and without integrating the region.

The ÖBB framework plan initiative is the goal of a stability and increase in capacity of the rail network and relies on environmentally friendly mobility offers. Investments of 19.7 billion euros are planned in the financing framework for 2025-2030, of which over 3.2 billion euros per year should flow into the rail infrastructure, so oebb.at . This is particularly crucial to guarantee the safety and punctuality of passengers.

Overall, the future of the Almtalbahn and thus a central traffic artery for the Wels region and beyond. The coming months will be crucial to clarify whether the Almtalbahn is preserved or whether measures are actually taken to decommissioning.