Annual Report 2025 – ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG

ÖBB-Infrastruktur Aktiengesellschaft Group Management Report | Consolidated Financial Statements 133 How measures to reduce noise emissions on the infrastructure side are to be implemented is laid down in a separate noise protection procedure. Including noise abatement measures in the budget or framework plan ensures that they are actually implemented, thereby reducing the negative impact on local residents. The framework plan 48 sets out the planned projects and their associated investment costs at ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG, which are scheduled for implementation over a six-year period. As part of the 2024 Environmental Noise Action Plan, targeted noise reduction measures will be implemented along the rail network over the next five years. The measures concern new and upgraded lines, existing railway lines and reinvestment in noise barriers on existing railway lines. The framework plan is available to the public on the ÖBB- Infrastruktur Group website. If these measures are not sufficient, residents can submit complaints to the ÖBB-Infrastruktur Group via the channels described in sub-section S3-2 S3-3 . These will be evaluated individually and, if necessary, appropriate remedial measures will be taken. Furthermore, ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG is working on future-oriented topics for reducing rail noise as part of research projects. The focus is on: – the development of innovative noise reduction measures and models for predicting noise propagation, the recommendation of suitable noise reduction measures and the assessment of the effects of noise reduction measures, and – the explanation of the noise effects of the complex wheel-rail interaction and how these can be reduced. Current research projects include the ongoing projects “Railway Noise Research 2023–2025” and “LEWE2 – Low-Noise and Low-Vibration Switch 2.” In terms of reducing additional noise emissions from steel bridges, measurements on modern existing bridges have demonstrated their low additional noise emissions (varying depending on the type of construction, from no additional noise emissions for steel composite bridges to a reduction in the bridge transfer function of “+10 dB Class” by 6 dB for steel bridges with ballast beds) and noise abatement measures on an older existing bridge showed significant reduction potential of up to 6 dB (depending on the measurement position and time period). Noise forecasts regarding future traffic developments, such as traffic forecasts (see VPÖ 2040+) and transport policy plans (see Mobility Master Plan), should enable measures to be taken in good time. Potential reputational risks are effectively reduced through the implementation of transparent complaint mechanisms and proactive and open communication. These measures enable early response to concerns and potential problems before they have a negative impact on public perception. Detailed information on the company’s complaint procedures can be found in s ub-section S3-2 S3-3. S4 Consumers and end users S4 Overview Overview of material impacts, risks and opportunities: 4 8 https://infrastruktur.oebb.at/de/projekte-fuer-oesterreich/rahmenplan.