Revitalization of the rail - Ministry wants faster reactivation of old railroad lines
In the process of reactivating decommissioned railway lines, the state government advocates for acceleration of planning and approval procedures at all political levels. According to the green-led transport ministry in Baden-Württemberg, significant progress has already been made in recent years. For instance, the "Pact for Planning-, Approval- and Implementation-Acceleration between the Federal Government and the States" was adopted at the Minister Presidents' Conference in November. This led to the suggestion of introducing uniform simplified standards in biodiversity protection to significantly streamline the procedure.
Common Interest
The ministry states that substantial progress has been made in this regard. For example, the "Pact for Planning-, Approval- and Implementation-Acceleration between the Federal Government and the States" was adopted at the Minister Presidents' Conference in November. This led to the suggestion of introducing uniform simplified standards in biodiversity protection to significantly streamline the procedure.
Flexibility
In the context of a biodiversity protection exception, the condition is that the conservation status of the affected species populations should not deteriorate. A shift in perspective from the individual to the population level, and thus some flexibility, is therefore permissible. Additionally, it must be proven that there are no viable alternatives to a project.
New Habitat for Wall Lizards
The ministry emphasizes that extensive resettlement measures are necessary to protect larger populations of wall lizards, which are common in Baden-Württemberg along railway lines and roads. Early identification of suitable replacement habitats should not necessarily delay the procedure.
Many old railway lines in Baden-Württemberg could be activated. According to studies by the Association of German Transport Companies and the Interest Group Allianz pro Schiene, published in the fall, the reactivation of around two dozen decommissioned railway lines in Baden-Württemberg could be profitable. For instance, the Hermann-Hesse-Bahn between Calw and Weil der Stadt (Böblingen district) was mentioned. The revival of older railway lines could particularly connect rural regions to the rail network, according to Transport Minister Winfried Hermann (Greens). There is immense interest in reactivation projects. For example, the reactivation of the Bottwartalbahn between Marbach and Heilbronn could attract an additional 5,000 passengers for public transport, the ministry responded to the FDP inquiry.
- In Baden-Württemberg, the state government is actively pushing for the swift reactivation of decommissioned railroad lines, advocating for expedited planning and approval processes at various political levels.
- Christian Jung, the Transport Minister of Baden-Württemberg (Greens), supports this initiative, highlighting the potential profits derived from reactivating around two dozen old railway lines in the state.
- One such profitable project is the revival of the Hermann-Hesse-Bahn between Calw and Weil der Stadt (Böblingen district), which could efficiently connect rural regions to the rail network.
- The FDP, a political party in Berlin, has shown significant interest in reactivation projects, particularly the Bottwartalbahn line between Marbach and Heilbronn, which could potentially attract an additional 5,000 passengers for public transportation.
- The Ministry of Transport in Berlin and the state government in Baden-Württemberg have collaborated through the "Pact for Planning-, Approval- and Implementation-Acceleration between the Federal Government and the States," aiming to streamline approval procedures by introducing uniform simplified standards in nature conservation.
- Traffic in Stuttgart could benefit from the reactivation of railroad lines, reducing congestion and promoting eco-friendly transport options, in line with Germany's commitment to nature conservation and sustainability.
