Funding of private branch lines

The program for the promotion of private railway sidings in the state of Vorarlberg supports companies in the construction and expansion of company-owned rail connections. The goal of this direct funding is to shift freight transport from road to rail by expanding suitable infrastructure facilities. Eligible are investment costs for the construction or expansion of private railway sidings in the Vorarlberg region. The grant is provided in the form of a subsidy and covers up to 10% of the eligible investment costs recognized according to the program of the Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology (BMVIT). Applications can be submitted continuously; there has been no deadline limitation since the start of funding in August 2013.

A prerequisite for approval is compliance with the funding criteria of the BMVIT program as well as equipping the facility up to the wagon transfer point with an overhead electric line (exceptions possible upon individual review). The project must not conflict with public interests, especially spatial planning as well as environmental and landscape protection. The following documents must be attached to the written funding application: a detailed overview plan, all required permits, a cost estimate, a complete financing plan including all confirmed funding contributions, and a copy of the already concluded funding agreement with BMVIT/AST. The Department of General Economic Affairs (VIa) of the Office of the Vorarlberg State Government is responsible for reviewing, approving, and monitoring the appropriate use of funds on site.