GKB operates electric trains for the first time

The launch of full-length operations on the Koralmbahn high speed line brings changes not only for ÖBB, but also for GKB (Graz-Köflacher Bahn und Busbetrieb GmbH), a carrier operating primarily in Styria but 100% owned by the Austrian state. Until now, it has mainly used GTW 2/8 DMUs on suburban trains running southwest of Graz. Since 2010, GKB suburban trains have been able to use the new 1.5 km long Hengsbergtunnel on the Weitendorf - Wettmannstätten section of the S6 Graz - Wies-Eibiswald line, which at that time was only operational provisionally with one track and no overhead line, but this has allowed suburban trains to reduce travel times by 15 minutes.

From this autumn, the mentioned section will definitely become part of the Koralmbahn HSL, so GKB must prepare for electric operation on the S6 line and with trains capable of operation under ETCS only. To quickly solve this need, GKB has purchased 21 double-deck cars from DB, built by Bombardier Transportation, of Dosto 2003 generation, including driving trailers to offer the low-floor entrance. GKB will gradually modernize these cars and modify their interior. Seven Vectrons leased from the LTE group, in which GKB has a 50 % stake, will serve for traction. These trains will be deployed exclusively on the S6 line, specifically six sets per day.

In order to make electric traction usable along the entire length of the line and outside the Koralmbahn, the Wettmannstätten (on the Koralmbahn) - Wies-Eibiswald section was fitted with catenary in the first phase of the electrification of the GKB network. On lines S61 and S7, which do not run on the HSL, operation will continue to be ensured by the original DMUs, however, there will also be a change here. For future operation in electric traction across the entire network, GKB has already started processes aimed at acquiring 28 new EMUs  and modifications to the infrastructure necessary for the transition to operating electric trains are also underway. All GKB services should be fully in electric traction from December 2029, a total of approximately 133 km of lines intended for electrification.

On Monday of 4 August 2025, a historic event took place for the whole of Western Styria and for the GKB, as it was the first time that an electric train operated at GKB in regular passenger service. This happened after 165 years of steam and diesel trains, when train 7352 of the S6 line of the S-Bahn Steiermark left Wies-Eibiswald exactly on schedule at 04.58 and via the Deutschlandsberg Stadt and Wettmannstätten stations with further stops in Hengsberg, Werndorf, Graz Puntigam and Graz Don Bosco arrived exactly on schedule at 06.07 at Graz Hbf.

Barbara Kleinert, Director of GKB, said: “We will use barrier-free, air-conditioned double-decker trains. For the time being, the S6 line will continue to operate according to the current timetable, but from 14 December 2025, the service will be significantly expanded. Then the Koralmbahn will be put into operation, offering a new long-distance service from Wien via Graz and western Styria to Carinthia.

In order to link the region to this international transport axis, but also to make full use of the public transport, the state of Styria will expand the range of S-Bahn and RegioBus. In addition, the reorganization of the service will significantly improve the connection to long-distance trains at Graz main station. GKB will thus become the most important „supplier“ of passengers for Koralmbahn from rail, bus and micro-public transport.“