Austrian rail operator ÖBB is preparing to debut the first of its newly upgraded Railjet trains as part of an ongoing renewal project.
First announced in May, the project will see all 60 existing ÖBB Railjet trainsets – which have been in operation for more than 15 years – upgraded “to a new level of technology and comfort”. This will include the installation of new seats in first and second class, while business class seats will be “refurbished”.
The €6.1 billion investment will also include new footrests, grab handles and larger fold-down tables, while the interior design will resemble that of the new generation Railjets, with a wood finish and connected seat backs for enhanced privacy (pictured). Carriages will also be equipped with new floor coverings and an improved passenger information system.
The first fully refurbished Railjet is expected to make its debut on the Koralm Railway on 12 December 2025 and will then be deployed on ÖBB’s direct connection between Vienna and Lienz.
Updated trains will subsequently be used on Railjet routes in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Italy.
“With the Railjet upgrade, we are significantly increasing the comfort and quality standards on our trains to offer our passengers maximum travel comfort by rail,” said ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä. “Modernising and converting existing trainsets offers a sensible and sustainable alternative to new vehicles.”
Austria's minister for innovation, mobility and infrastructure, Peter Hanke, also announced that €19.7 billion will be invested in expanding and modernising the national rail network by 2030, which he said marks “a clear commitment to quality, reliability and sustainability”.