On 30th August 2024, Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler announced in Graz that the Southern Railway in Austria will be upgraded to a double-track line throughout by 2036. The expansion concerns the section between Werndorf and Spielfeld-Straß and includes the modernisation of railway stations and the removal of railway crossings. The aim is to increase capacity and reduce the journey time between Graz and Maribor from 70 to 45 minutes. Subject to all approvals, the first construction measures will begin in 2028 in the Spielfeld-Straß railway station area.
