Leipzig-Chemnitz Railroad Line: Southern Section to Cost 600 Million

The expansion of the southern section of the Leipzig-Chemnitz rail line will cost about twice as much as previously estimated. In addition to the construction costs of 306 million euros estimated in 2022, there will be price increases, planning costs, and risk reserves, according to Deutsche Bahn (DB) in Burgstädt. The total cost of the project will therefore amount to around 600 million euros. While the state is financing part of the planning, the actual construction is to be funded entirely by federal funds.

There has long been a struggle over the expansion of this important rail connection between the two major cities. The project involves the electrification and double-tracking of the line. The southern section, Chemnitz–Geithain, is approximately 37 kilometers long and is divided into four planning sections. According to the report, the approval documents for the first section have now been submitted to the Federal Railway Authority. This is considered an important milestone. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2032; the entire project is expected to be completed by 2034.

Expansion of the southern section is set to begin in 2032

With the exception of two shorter sections, the line will be converted to double track. An overhead power line is also planned. In addition, stations and stops will be renovated, as will control and safety systems. The goal is to create a modern line capable of handling a significantly higher frequency of trains, explained DB Group Representative Cornelia Kadatz. Infrastructure Minister Regina Kraushaar (CDU) emphasized that the state had made an upfront investment in the planning for the second track, allocating 22 million euros for this purpose. 

The line is a vital link between the Chemnitz economic region and the Leipzig rail hub, as well as long-distance rail service. However, as a result of post-World War II reparations, it is now single-track and lacks overhead wires. According to earlier reports, it is regularly overloaded, and disruptions occur frequently. For this reason, there are calls for expansion. The trains are also used by many commuters. In the future, the goal is to achieve half-hourly service, especially during peak hours.

Planning for the northern section between Geithain and Leipzig is behind schedule. Costs there have skyrocketed. Just under 500 million euros in federal funds for structural change in coal-mining regions are available for the 44-kilometer stretch. However, the latest estimates put the costs at 1.32 billion euros. Consequently, there are discussions about scaling back the project. According to a feasibility study, a second track could be built on only 24 kilometers; alternative funding must be found for electrification.