Nossen-Meissen Rail Line Reopens

Following a million-euro investment, the railroad line between Nossen and Meissen is now ready for heavy freight traffic. Work on the 20-kilometer section began in August 2024, according to the Nossen-Riesa Railway Company (NRE), which operates the line. Five million euros were invested using state funding and grants from the Federal Railway Authority after the condition of the line had deteriorated over the years. It was reopened on Thursday.

Infrastructure Minister Regina Kraushaar (CDU) referred to it as a “line of the future.” On the one hand, she said, it strengthens the infrastructure for the regional economy. “And on the other hand, it gives us renewed momentum as we work toward the day when passenger trains will run again and people in this region can travel by rail.” 

The rail line is more than 150 years old

NRE Managing Director Eckart Sauter spoke of an “important milestone” on the path toward resuming passenger service on the line. This is planned for December 2029, provided funding can be secured, he explained when asked. For the time being, the line will primarily be used by tank car trains serving a fuel depot.

According to reports, the railroad line from Nossen to Meissen was built in the second half of the 19th century and is just under 40 kilometers long. NRE leased it from Deutsche Bahn in 2016 after passenger service there had been discontinued. During construction work on this section, more than 5,000 ties, 2.5 kilometers of track, and numerous bridge girders were replaced, among other things. In addition, the ballast bed and several railroad crossings were brought up to standard, according to reports.