8,000 signatures for better connections between Leipzig and Chemnitz

Around 8,000 people are calling on the state parliament to swiftly expand the railroad line between Chemnitz and Leipzig. Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK) in the two major cities have submitted a petition to this effect to the President of the State Parliament, Alexander Dierks (CDU).

Signatories see severe restrictions in the region

The state parliament should provide sufficient funds to continue planning the electrification and largely double-track expansion of the line, the petition states. The approximately 8,000 signatories see severe restrictions in passenger transport, long-distance connections and freight transport in the Chemnitz region.

"The great response clearly shows that the expansion of the Chemnitz-Leipzig line is of central importance for the people and companies in the region," said Max Jankowsky, President of the Chemnitz Chamber of Industry and Commerce. It is expected that this signal will be heeded. "The patience of the economy is exhausted."

Delays in expansion

For a long time, there have been calls to expand the previously single-track and non-electrified line between the two major cities. However, according to the latest statements from the Ministry of Infrastructure, this is still years away. According to current plans, work on the southern section from Geithain to Chemnitz is scheduled to begin in 2032 and last until 2035. The timetable for the northern section to Leipzig is still completely unclear, as the exact plans are still pending.

From the point of view of the chambers of industry and commerce, the route is central to the mobility of skilled workers and economic development. The recently announced delays and considerations for reduced expansion options would cause uncertainty in the economy. Kristian Kirpal, President of the Leipzig Chamber of Industry and Commerce, described it as an indictment of poverty that the expansion and electrification were not progressing despite vehement demands from the business community.