BSW member of parliament calls for revitalization of the Herrnhut Railway

The BSW member of state parliament Jens Hentschel-Thöricht is calling for support from the state to revive the Herrnhut Railway in eastern Saxony. The line could reconnect towns such as Löbau, Zittau, Herrnhut and even Liberec, improve school and commuter traffic and open up tourist attractions, explained Hentschel-Thöricht. He puts the necessary investment costs at around 50 million euros.

Without support from the state, the disused route could be lost for good. With a view to other multi-million euro road construction projects, he accused the state government of pursuing a one-sided transport policy at the expense of rail.

Plans envisage conversion into a cycle path

In her answer to a minor question, Transport Minister Regina Kraushaar (CDU) referred to the high investment costs for regular operation on the route from Oberoderwitz to Niedercunnersdorf. This is not in sufficient proportion to the passenger potential. Subsequent operation would also require high subsidies. "Reactivation is therefore not advisable at present."

Current plans reportedly envisage dismantling the tracks and creating a cycle path on the route.