What's next for the Franconia-Saxony Main Line?

Municipalities and the Free State continue to push for the modernization of the Franconia-Saxony Main Line. However, the federal government is still reviewing whether the rail line project is economically viable. The results should be available in the autumn, a spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Transport said in response to an inquiry.

"Diesel island" to be electrified

And that's the point: the railroad line, which connects Bavaria, Saxony and the Czech Republic and is therefore important for rail transport throughout Europe, can only be used with diesel locomotives in large parts. Politicians from the affected regions in particular have long been calling for electrification. "This is the largest diesel island in Central Europe, which can only be electrified and thus become climate-neutral if there is good cooperation between the federal, state and EU governments," said the Lord Mayor of Bayreuth, Thomas Ebersberger (CSU), to dpa.

However, a few years ago, the plans were even halted - because the economic viability criteria were not met.

Now the calculations are being recalculated: The project is being reassessed on the basis of a new traffic forecast for 2040, the ministry said. "In addition to the new traffic volumes to be used as a basis, updated cost and value estimates will then also be available for evaluation in the fourth quarter of 2024."

Free state finances planning for section

A few weeks ago, the Free State of Bavaria took another step forward - and signed a planning contract for the electrification of a section of the line. Deutsche Bahn was commissioned by the state government to plan the expansion and electrification of the 18-kilometre stretch from Bayreuth to Schnabelwaid. The cost volume is 20 million euros. "However, the full benefit of our commitment can only be realized if the federal government finally follows suit and expands and electrifies the Franconia-Saxony main line," announced Transport Minister Christian Bernreiter (CSU) at the beginning of July. The aim is to have "no more diesel railcars on the Bavarian local rail passenger transport network" by 2040.

Looking to the Czech Republic

If the electrification gap from Nuremberg to Marktredwitz, Hof and Schirnding were closed, continuous long-distance transport would also be possible again, he added.

Another hope of local politicians is the Modern Rail Act, which the federal government wants to get underway. "It could mean a breakthrough for the Franconia-Saxony main line, so that the planning could finally be continued," said Bayreuth town hall leader Ebersberger. He also pointed out that the Czech Republic was also very supportive of the expansion. The branch via Eger towards Prague is of "outstanding importance" for European freight and passenger traffic.