Expansion of public transportation in Saarland through revival of unused railway lines
The Saarland state government has announced plans to reactivate several railway lines, with a focus on the Primstalbahn and the Rosseltal and Bisttalbahn. This move is aimed at expanding public transport in Saarland and closing existing gaps in the rail network.
The Primstalbahn is set to undergo significant changes, including a connection to the active line in Lebach-Jabach, the electrification of the Niedtalbahn (Dillingen-Niedaltdorf), and the expansion of the Illtalbahn (Lebach-Illingen). The reactivation of the line between Dillingen/Saarlouis and Schmelz-Limbach is particularly noteworthy, as it showed a benefit-cost ratio of 3.8.
The reactivation of the Rosseltal and Bisttal railways will connect the cities of Völklingen, Püttlingen, and Saarbrücken to the rail network. This project, however, requires extensive measures, including renovation or rebuilding of around 40 bridge structures, upgrading large parts of the line to double track, and electrification. As a result, a benefit-cost ratio of 1.12 was determined for these railways.
New train stops are planned along these lines, including Saarwellingen/Nalbach, Bilsdorf, Körprich, Primsweiler, Schmelz, Limbach, and optionally Michelbach. An additional stop in Knorscheid is being considered in further planning phases.
The reactivation of these railway lines will also connect new residential areas in rural areas to the rail network. Moreover, it will strengthen the planned S-Bahn network in Saarland.
Initial talks with potential project partners, such as Deutsche Bahn, will be held first. Funding for the projects is only possible with the support of the federal government, and from 2025, 90% of the costs for such infrastructure projects can be funded under the Community Transport Financing Act (GVFG).
Unfortunately, the Merzig-Losheim line will not be reactivated further due to negative decisions by the Merzig city council, Losheim municipal council, and Merzig-Wadern district council.
For more information about these projects, visit www.saarland.de/reactivation. Initial partial successes are expected in the coming years.
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