€176million contract won for critical rail project

Together with ARGE partner, PORR Group, Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group (RSRG) will equip the 27km twin-tube Semmering Base Tunnel in Austria. 

After the Koralm Tunnel, this is the second joint major ÖBB tunnel project the two companies have jointly worked on. PORR will once again take over commercial management, with RSRG handling the technical lead. 

The €176 million contract from ÖBB Infrastruktur AG includes telecommunications, electrical equipment with high-voltage systems, distributors, lighting, and emergency exit signage, as well as signage. Additionally, the scope of the contract includes mechanical installations for air conditioning, ventilation, and fire-fighting water, as well as locksmith work. Planning will commence immediately, with construction set to begin in June 2025. Commissioning is scheduled for 2030. 

“We are delighted to contribute to a sustainable and safe connection between Lower Austria and Styria,” says Robert Kumpusch, Managing Director for project business at RSRG. 

“We are happy to bring our expertise as a full-service provider and our experience from numerous successfully completed projects.” 

Karl-Heinz Strauss, CEO of PORR, said: “We see winning this contract for the Semmering Base Tunnel as further confirmation of our successful partnership on the Koralm Tunnel, and we are confident that we will once again meet the high expectations here. The two partners will, as before, combine their expertise and experience to complete the project on time, within budget, and to the complete satisfaction of the client."

RSRG is the parent company of Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group Ireland.