Increase in Planning Expenses for Chemnitz-Leipzig Railway
In a bid to ensure the expansion of the railway line connecting Chemnitz and Leipzig proceeds unhindered, Infrastructure Minister Regina Kraushaar (CDU) is actively working to prevent potential reductions due to budget constraints. This comes after escalating costs in planning services have left the state short of funds to cover the multi-million euro cost overruns.
Kraushaar, following a meeting with representatives from the railway, transport associations, businesses, and the city of Chemnitz, revealed that an intense search for viable solutions is currently underway. The minister stressed the importance of the line for the region and her determination to uphold the previously agreed terms for the expansion project. By the end of June 2025, Kraushaar is optimistic a solution with the railway will be achieved.
The prolonged debate over expanding and electrifying the railway line has been ongoing for several years. In the latest plans, the line will remain single-track at two bridges with a combined length of 1.6 kilometers, due to cost considerations. The state has set aside around 8.1 million euros for further planning in the current budget period. This falls short by 12 million euros needed to meet all planning expenses, which leaves the potential for further cutbacks in the scope of the double-track expansion.
The reassessment of the routing for a roughly six-kilometer section between Cossen and Burgstädt is part of these budgeting discussions.
Chemnitz Mayor Sven Schulze (SPD) expressed concerns about extending the single-track sections' length, particularly for the planned 30-minute interval between the two cities. He welcomed the state's commitment to finding a financial solution to keep the project on track.
Martin Walden, the representative of Deutsche Bahn, regarded the project as a "heart's desire" and assured that the railway is actively working to avoid any setbacks in planning. The increased costs are due to newly discovered insights during the planning process and surging market prices for planning services in recent times.
Negotiations among the state, railway companies, transport associations, businesses, and local authorities are ongoing to find a financially feasible solution for the line's expansion. The focus is on maintaining the established compromise while exploring alternative options to reduce costs without compromising the capacity and modernization goals for the railway line between Chemnitz and Leipzig. The state’s infrastructure ministry is exploring ways to fill the budget gap, either through budget adjustments or reallocation, to avoid delaying the expansion and electrification project.
- Kraushaar, in collaboration with representatives from the railway, transport associations, businesses, and the city of Chemnitz, is actively seeking solutions to finance the expansion of the Chemnitz-Leipzig railway line, understanding its significance for the region's industry and public-transit system.
- In a bid to balance the budget, the state has set aside funds for further planning, but this falls short by the needed 12 million euros for all planning expenses, potentially leading to cuts in the double-track expansion, a concern for both the local authorities and the railway industry.
- In besides seeking budget adjustments or reallocation, the state's infrastructure ministry is also considering the impact on the finance sector, as the success of this project could stimulate further economic growth and transportation development in the region, benefiting various businesses.
