For the Österreichischen Bundesbahnen (ÖBB), the breakthrough marks a major milestone. Excavation of the two tubes, each approximately 27.3km long, has been ongoing since 2014, with completion of all tunnelling work expected in the first quarter of 2025. Austria Minister for Climate Protection, Leonore Gewessler, expressed her delight: “The Semmering Base Tunnel is a long awaited milestone in rail expansion. It will significantly reduce travel time between Vienna and southern Austria, creating more attractive rail connections for both passengers and freight in the heart of Europe.” 

The Semmering Base Tunnel represents a significant advancement for European and Austrian rail transport. In the future, travellers and goods will be able to travel from Graz to Vienna about 50 minutes faster. Currently, the fastest trains between the two cities take around two and a half hours. ÖBB CEO Andreas Matthä however emphasised the project’s challenges: “Under difficult geological conditions, everyone involved, from project management to specialised departments and external partners to the miners, have achieved great things.”

Erkat transverse drum cutters

Erkat transverse drum cutters used on the project are suitable for profiling rock or concrete walls, tunnel construction, trenching, excavating frozen soil or soft rock in quarries, as well as for demolition work. Robust gears ensure optimal energy transmission and reliability. The ‘QuickSnap’ locking system allows for quick and easy chisel changes. A wide range of cutting heads for various applications is available. A robust housing with Hardox wear protection is designed for a longer service life. The drive shaft bearing, designed for durability, has a maintenance free sliding ring seal system and the adaptable high torque gear motor is said to provider more productivity and a longer motor lifespan. Erkat believes that these features found on its transverse drum cutters made them a vital component for the successful breakthrough of the Semmering Base Tunnel.