Planning for the modernization of the train connection between Nuremberg and Saxony is not getting off the ground. The Deutsche Bahn company DB InfraGO has not yet been commissioned with the further planning for the electrification of the section of line from Nuremberg to Schnabelwaid (Bayreuth district). There is also no specific date for this. This is according to a reply from the Federal Ministry of Transport to Paula Piechotta (Greens), a member of the Bundestag.
The DB also stated that there is currently no order from the federal government to resume planning for the Franconia-Saxony Main Line.
"Ministries are torpedoing"
The budget committee of the Bundestag cleared the way last November to plan the electrification of the section. 100 million euros had been earmarked for this in the rail demand plan for 2026.
Saxon and Bavarian MPs from the CSU, CDU, SPD and Greens had jointly fought for these funds in the Bundestag, Piechotta announced. "The fact that the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Finance are now once again torpedoing and delaying the project against the resolutions of the MPs is a slap in the face for local authorities, passengers and local rail freight companies." Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) are thus overstepping their authority, as the budgetary right lies with parliament, emphasized Piechotta.
Unanimity across party lines
The electrification of the Magistrale from northern Bavaria to Saxony has been on the minds of politicians, businesses and train passengers in the region for decades. In rare unanimity, politicians across party lines are fighting for modernization.
This is because diesel locomotives are still in use here, which also makes the route unattractive for freight transport. An electrified line, on the other hand, would also be usable for modern freight locomotives. Cross-border rail traffic with the Czech Republic would also benefit. The government in Prague has repeatedly called for more speed in the expansion of transport arteries in the border region.
Blocked due to dilapidated railroad bridges
The issue became even more explosive last September - since then, the line between Pegnitz (Bayreuth district) and Hersbruck in the Nuremberg region has been closed. 18 railroad bridges over the River Pegnitz are in a state of disrepair and urgently need to be repaired. The route is still closed, which is affecting many commuters heading towards Nuremberg in particular.
The Franconia-Saxony Main Line covers the traffic area between Nuremberg and Dresden and via Marktredwitz towards the Czech Republic. The route from Dresden to Hof is already electrified, but the section to Nuremberg is still missing.
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