Connecting regions as the key to a better transport future Koroške

Transport connectivity is not just a question of roads, railways, bus connections or cycling infrastructure, but also has a significant impact on the accessibility of the region, the quality of life of its residents and the development of the economy, tourism and local communities . For Koroško, which is closely integrated into the area of ​​Podravje, the Savinja region and the Austrian Koroške, it is therefore particularly important that future transport connections are planned comprehensively, across municipal and regional borders and with a long-term view.

The event opened a space for exchanging views on future needs and opportunities, and especially on how to plan transport and mobility investments in a more integrated, coordinated and strategic manner .

The attendees were welcomed by the Mayor of the Municipality of Radlje ob Dravi, Dr. Alan Bukovnik , and the Director of RRA Koroška, Uroš Rozman .

This was followed by a presentation of the draft Regional Spatial Plan for Koroško , carried out by Mateja Bratuša , an expert associate of RRA Koroška on the project. The Regional Spatial Plan Koroške places significant emphasis on the transport connectivity of the region – both within Koroške and with the neighboring Savinja and Podravina regions, as well as with Austria. Key contents include the development of the 3rd development axis north, the placement of a new and upgrading of the existing railway connection, the improvement of road connections in the Drava Valley, and the further development of the cycling network.

Special attention is paid to sustainable mobility and the integration of different forms of transport. Dravograd and Slovenj Gradec are being developed as important multimodal points where rail and bus transport, bicycle connections, P+R, pedestrian access and other forms of mobility will be connected. An important part of the planning also includes connections to economic and tourist areas and remote rural areas, where the RPP envisages adapted forms of mobility, such as on-demand transport. The aim is not to treat transport connections separately, but to connect them into an efficient system that will support the development of the economy, tourism and the quality of life of residents.

A roundtable discussion followed, co-organized by the following speakers: Dr. Samo Peter Medved , Technical Director of Štajerski inženiring doo, Leon Kobetič , Director of Locus doo, Dejan Haberman , Project Manager Fura Radlje, JP KIČ doo, Lara Piko , Geopark Karavanke and Mateja Krampač , RRA Podravje – Maribor. It was moderated by the Director of RRA Koroška, Uroš Rozman.

The final conclusion was that the key is cooperation and connection, because only then can we be heard and seen more, and that we need more initiatives for new transport infrastructure and less against it.

The event confirmed that the future of transport connectivity Koroške cannot be planned in a piecemeal manner. A shared vision, coordination between municipalities and regions, and clear representation of development interests Koroške at the national and cross-border levels are needed.

Participants agreed that Koroška must continue to ambitiously develop all forms of mobility in the future – from road and rail infrastructure to public passenger transport, cycling connections and adapted forms of transport. It will be crucial for the region to act in a coherent and unified manner in important development projects.

Cooperation between local communities, development institutions, the economy and the state is the basis for a transport system that will better connect Koroško internally and externally and at the same time create better conditions for living, working, economic development and tourism.