Published on
November 16, 2025
In a groundbreaking development for Austria’s rail sector, PJM Messtechnik GmbH (PJM) and Boom Software AG have joined forces to create a new rail testing facility at Mellach, near Graz in Styria. This collaboration has resulted in the formation of a new company, INFRATRACK Solutions GmbH, which will operate a 4.5 km rail line previously serving the Verbund coal-fired power station at Mellach. The re-purposed site now serves as a state-of-the-art testing ground for rail vehicle innovation and technological advancements.
Repurposing Old Infrastructure for Modern Rail Innovation
The decision to repurpose the old rail line at Mellach offers a sustainable solution to the growing demand for advanced rail testing environments. The facility is fully connected to the main railway line to Graz, Austria’s second-largest city, ensuring easy access for rail companies and technology developers. The location, once used for transporting coal to the Verbund power station, is now being transformed into a key testing ground for the future of rail mobility.
The site is fully electrified, accommodating a range of rail vehicles, including those with heavy axle loads. This electrification allows for testing various types of trains and technologies without the need for additional costly infrastructure. Moreover, the existing rail line is equipped with several track configurations, including tight curves with a radius of 150 meters, making it suitable for testing new vehicle designs under realistic conditions.
In addition to its unique track configuration, the Mellach testing facility features a covered work area, complete with a roof work platform and overhead crane, allowing for testing, maintenance, and assembly of rail vehicles. The facility is fenced and patrolled 24/7, ensuring that all activities are carried out in a secure environment.
Technological Advancements and Testing Focus
INFRATRACK Solutions will focus on testing several key technologies that will shape the future of rail transport. One of the core objectives is to equip vehicles with specialized instrumentation that allows for the monitoring of various performance metrics, including static testing, acoustic testing, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). These tests are critical for ensuring that new rail vehicles meet regulatory standards and can operate efficiently within a modern railway system.
The facility will also focus on the optimisation of sensor-technology integration, an area of growing importance as rail networks move towards automation and digitisation. The collaboration between PJM and Boom Software will enable them to integrate cutting-edge sensor technology with sophisticated software platforms, allowing real-time data analysis and enhanced control of rail operations.
Additionally, the facility will support the commissioning of new rail vehicles, helping manufacturers bring their latest designs to life and test them under actual operational conditions. This will not only help accelerate the development of new rail vehicles but also contribute to the improvement of rail operations in terms of efficiency and sustainability.
Strategic Benefits for the Rail Industry
The establishment of this facility at Mellach addresses a long-standing gap in Austria’s rail industry. According to the founders, Andreas Schaller, CEO of Boom Software and managing director of INFRATRACK Solutions, finding modern test environments and facilities has been a significant challenge for the rail sector in Austria. The new facility offers a much-needed solution, providing an ideal setting for testing new vehicles, sensor systems, and digital processes.
Moreover, the repurposing of a former power station site aligns with Austria’s broader environmental and sustainability goals. By reusing existing infrastructure, INFRATRACK Solutions is contributing to the country’s vision of green mobility, where rail plays a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions and supporting eco-friendly transportation options.
The new facility also opens up opportunities for international collaboration, positioning Austria as a leader in rail innovation and making it a key destination for companies and research institutions involved in rail technology development.
A Promising Future for Rail Innovation in Austria
The Mellach rail testing facility is poised to become a cornerstone of rail innovation in Austria and Europe. Its advanced capabilities will enable companies to test and refine their technologies, leading to the development of more efficient, sustainable, and automated rail vehicles. With its strategic location near Graz, the facility offers access to important rail networks across Europe, making it an ideal site for European and global rail companies to test and collaborate on cutting-edge technologies.
As Austria continues to invest in sustainable rail mobility, the Mellach facility will play a key role in shaping the future of transportation, not only in Austria but also across Europe. By providing a world-class test environment, INFRATRACK Solutions is setting the stage for Austria to remain at the forefront of rail industry advancements, ensuring the country’s leadership in the global rail sector.
Conclusion
The new Mellach rail testing facility marks an exciting development in Austria’s rail industry, offering cutting-edge infrastructure for the testing and development of next-generation rail technologies. By repurposing a former power station site, PJM and Boom Software have created an advanced, sustainable testing ground that supports Austria’s focus on green mobility and rail innovation. With its electrification, track variety, and state-of-the-art testing capabilities, the facility is set to become a vital hub for the future of rail travel. This project not only strengthens Austria’s role in the global rail industry but also promotes sustainable and efficient transport solutions for the future.
