Expansion of the Franconia-Saxony main line is economical after all

According to the latest calculations, the modernization of the railroad line between Nuremberg and Saxony is now economically viable after all. The fact that electric locomotives may be running on the Franconia-Saxony main line instead of diesel-powered trains in a few years' time has brought relief to Bavaria and Saxony. He "expressly welcomes" the fact that electrification is finally to continue, said Bavaria's Transport Minister Christian Bernreiter (CSU). "The electrification of the 140 kilometers between Nuremberg and Hof and the branch from Marktredwitz to Cheb will close the urgently needed gap to Saxony and the Czech Republic."

A few days ago, the acting Federal Minister of Transport Volker Wissing (non-party) had declared that there was now a positive assessment result for the project. "The result is a real ray of hope for the people in the German-Czech border region: because the proof of economic viability has been provided," said Wissing according to the ministry. They now have the necessary basis to continue planning as soon as the budget situation allows.

Collaboration across borders

Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer (CDU) said: "The expansion of this important European transport axis is not just an infrastructure project - it is an investment in the future viability of our business location, in the mobility of people and in cross-border cooperation with our Czech neighbors."

The future of the project had been in dispute for a long time because, according to the federal government, the economic viability of electrification was lacking. The plans were recently put on ice.

"European dimension"

Now it is important that work gets underway quickly after the long interruption, said Bayreuth's Lord Mayor Thomas Ebersberger (CSU). Neither funding nor planning capacities are yet available, so a further delay is to be expected. The neighboring municipalities along the Magistrale reacted with relief and joy to the positive result from the ministry.

A great solidarity was noticeable, said the district administrator of Hof, Oliver Bär (CSU). The representatives of the municipalities along the main line were fighting together for the electrification of the route. "We have worked this out over the past few months: This route and electrification has a European dimension." It is about linking the Free States of Bavaria and Saxony with the Czech Republic.