The Chemnitz rail initiative has warned of a further cost explosion and massive cutbacks in the expansion of the Leipzig-Chemnitz line. While there was recently talk of around 750 million euros for the 44-kilometer-long northern section Geithain-Leipzig, DB Infrago now estimates the costs at around 1.3 billion euros, the initiative announced.
There are therefore fears that the plans will result in a significantly slimmed-down version - for example with only a few passing places or even without electrification. Both scenarios would mean the end of an efficient and resilient long-distance rail link between Chemnitz and Leipzig.
"After a long campaign, we were able to work with our partners to achieve an almost double-track expansion and full electrification of the southern section," explained Sebastian Drechsler, spokesperson for the rail initiative. "For the northern section, a continuous double-track and electrified line was planned and promised from the outset - according to our information, this is now being called into question."
