Proposal for a directive remains undecided by the Commission.
The Transport Committee, a specialist committee in the German Bundestag that deals with railway matters, held its 44th session in the Paul-Löbe-Haus in Berlin on Wednesday.
The committee, which is influential as its members prepare decisions before a vote in the plenary, is responsible for preparing topics for a vote in the Bundestag. The Transport Committee's homepage mentions that hearings can be held to gather information and assessments from experts on railway matters.
During the meeting, municipal representatives from Heidekreis, Harburg, Celle, and Uelzen advocated for the implementation of Alpha E, i.e., the expansion of the existing rail line. Landrat Dr. Heiko Blume from Uelzen expressed concerns about a new construction line, stating it would only bring disadvantages while others would benefit. Landrat Jens Grote and Mayor Dr. Jens Büthuis from Bispingen represented Heidekreis in the meeting.
The proposal of the Lower Saxony Minister of Economics Olaf Lies is being pursued, namely to combine the announced general renovation of the line 2026/27 with preparatory measures for Alpha-E. Landrat Blume and Grote announced "massive resistance" if a new construction line is voted for.
Grote reported that the MPs were pointed to a detail in the Acceleration Act, namely that the line Hamburg-Hannover must reach 250 to 300 km/h in the future. The vote on the Acceleration Act is still pending in May, while the railway line itself is likely to be on the agenda in the second half of the year.
The Transport Committee also discussed the potential of a regional connection to create added value for the region. The railway is examining this possibility to determine whether it would be beneficial.
It should be noted that the politician responsible for the Transport Committee in the German Bundestag is not explicitly named in the available search results.
A joint statement was made, stating that nothing else can be conveyed to the people except the implementation of Alpha E. The four Landrats and accompanying mayors advocated strongly for this expansion.
The Transport Committee prepares topics before they are voted on in the Bundestag. Its members assess detailed questions related to railway matters and can hold hearings to obtain information and assessments from experts on these questions. Landrat Blume emphasized the need for more capacity on the rails.
The discussions in the Transport Committee will continue as the country considers the best course of action for its railway system. The decision on the Acceleration Act and the railway line are expected to be made in the coming months.
