More space in trains: S-Bahn network to be reallocated

Passengers on several important rail routes in Saxony-Anhalt are to benefit from larger trains and more space in future. Nahverkehrsservice Sachsen-Anhalt GmbH (NASA) has put the so-called Central German S-Bahn Network II out to tender together with partners. The future operator is to run the network from December 2031 to the end of 2045. This was announced by NASA.

According to the plans, capacities on heavily used connections are to be expanded in particular. The aim is to provide more seats and additional space for bicycles. Saxony-Anhalt's Infrastructure Minister Lydia Hüskens (FDP) explained that more comfortable services are an important prerequisite for encouraging more people to switch from car to train.

New direct connection from Sangerhausen to Eilenburg

The network includes the S-Bahn connections from Dessau via the Leipzig City Tunnel to Markkleeberg-Gaschwitz as well as routes from Lutherstadt Wittenberg and Dessau to Halle. The express line between Magdeburg, Dessau and Leipzig is also part of the tender. In addition, a new continuous S-Bahn line from Sangerhausen via Halle to Eilenburg is to be created.

Decision on operator in early 2027

According to NASA, the tender covers around a fifth of all local rail passenger transport in Saxony-Anhalt. The network is currently operated by DB Regio. The existing contract expires at the end of 2030. A decision on who will be awarded the contract for operation from 2031 is to be made at the beginning of 2027.

Optional further service expansions are planned. These include additional train connections between Magdeburg and Dessau and between Leipzig and Delitzsch. A more frequent service on the Lutherstadt Wittenberg-Falkenberg (Elster) route is also possible.