The private railway company Westbahn launched regular operations on the southern line on February 28, 2026 with a celebratory inaugural journey from Vienna via Graz and Klagenfurt to Villach.
Three brand-new "Smile" high-speed trains from the Swiss rail vehicle manufacturer Stadler will be used. These trains are designed for speeds of up to 250 km/h and are currently the fastest train sets in regular passenger service in Austria. The use of the newly constructed Koralm Railway will significantly reduce travel time between Graz, the capital of Styria, and Klagenfurt, thus more closely integrating southern Austria's economy into the national rail network.
Westbahn's expansion southward coincides with the full commissioning of the Koralm Railway, considered one of the most significant infrastructure projects of recent decades. While Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) continues to dominate scheduled services, the market entry of the private competitor will increase capacity and service frequency on the Vienna-Carinthia route. The new Stadler trains feature modern interiors in a three-class configuration, offering barrier-free access and an improved Wi-Fi system for business travelers. The strategic decision by Westbahn's owners, led by Hans Peter Haselsteiner, to establish a presence on the Southern Railway underscores the enormous passenger potential of this new line.
A special feature of the new service is the close cooperation with regional institutions. The trains, with their special exterior wraps, serve as mobile advertisements for important Carinthian cultural institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Klagenfurt City Theatre. During the maiden voyage, the onboard concept was presented through artistic performances in the individual carriages, with the aim of enhancing the travel experience through additional services. At the opening ceremony in Villach, political representatives from the state and local communities emphasized that the increased competition on the rail network improves the quality of public transport and makes Carinthia a more attractive place to live and work. From March 2026, Westbahn will offer several daily connections to the south, thus breaking the previous monopoly on this route. The investment in the "Smile" type rolling stock – technically known as the Stadler EC250 – represents a technological leap, as these trains were originally developed for international traffic through the Gotthard Base Tunnel. Furthermore, the stationing and maintenance of these trains will create new synergies within the Austrian rail sector. Passengers will benefit in the future from shorter intervals and increased competition regarding service quality and ticket prices on the Vienna-Graz-Klagenfurt-Villach axis.