- The current situation of the Franconia-Saxony highway is under scrutiny.
Advocates for Franken-Sachsen Magistrale Modernization Persist, Federal Review Underway
The push for a contemporary update of the Franken-Sachsen Magistrale railway, a significant link between Bavaria, Saxony, and the Czech Republic, is still ongoing. The federal government is currently examining the economic feasibility of the project, with conclusions anticipated in the fall, as stated by a representative from the Federal Ministry of Transport to dpa upon request.
"Diesel Fortress" Set for Electrification
The railway line that traverses these regions is constrained to diesel engines in numerous sectors due to its critical role in trans-European rail traffic. For years, politicians from the impacted regions have advocated for electrification. As Mayor of Bayreuth, Thomas Ebersberger (CSU) put it during an interview with dpa, "This is the largest diesel hub in Central Europe, capable of becoming climate-neutral only through effective collaboration between the federal government, the states, and the EU."
Previously, the plans had even stalled - as the economic parameters had not been satisfied.
Now, new calculations are being performed: The project will be reassessed considering a 2040 traffic projection, as disclosed by the ministry. " additions to the new traffic volumes and updated cost and benefit appraisals will be accessible for assessment during the last quarter of 2024."
Free State Allocates Funds for Section Planning
A few weeks ago, the Free State of Bavaria took a step further - by finalizing a planning agreement for the electrification of a section of the route. The state government has ordered Deutsche Bahn to plan the expansion and electrification of the 18-kilometer stretch from Bayreuth to Schnabelwaid, at a cost of 20 million euros. "However, our efforts can only fully unleash their potential if the federal government also contributes and expands and electrifies the Franken-Sachsen Magistrale," stated Transport Minister Christian Bernreiter (CSU) in early July. The objective is to eliminate diesel trains from Bavarian rail passenger service by 2040.
Eyeing the Czech Republic
If the electrification gap from Nuremberg to Marktredwitz, Hof, and Schirnding is bridged, continuous long-distance passenger travel would once again become possible.
Additionally, local politicians have pinned their hopes on the Modern Rail Law, which the federal government intends to implement. "It could serve as a turning point for the Franken-Sachsen Magistrale, allowing us to finally proceed with planning," said Mayor of Bayreuth Thomas Ebersberger. He also emphasized that the Czech Republic is a strong supporter of the expansion. The branch line via Cheb towards Prague is of " tremendous significance" for European freight and passenger traffic.
- Despite Bavaria's efforts to electrify a section of the Franken-Sachsen Magistrale, the complete elimination of diesel trains from Bavarian rail passenger service requires federal government's contribution and expansion of the electrification project.
- The Czech Republic, recognizing the significance of the branch line via Cheb towards Prague, supports the expansion of the Franken-Sachsen Magistrale, which can serve as a crucial link in trans-European rail traffic, including Bavaria and Saxony.
