Rail initiative: Leipzig-Chemnitz expansion will be even more expensive

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."

Feasibility study examines expansion options

It was recently announced that a feasibility study is underway for the northern section. An external office is to determine which expansion measures are possible with the money available. According to the Ministry of Infrastructure, the findings should be available in May and then evaluated internally. They are to be presented to the public at a rail summit in Chemnitz in June.

The railroad line between Leipzig and Chemnitz is not only important for many commuters, but is also the gateway to the Leipzig rail hub and the long-distance rail network for the industrial region of south-west Saxony. It is also used for freight traffic. However, capacity is severely limited because the line is only single-track and there is no overhead line. For this reason, there have been discussions for years about a double-track extension including electrification. This should enable trains to run every 30 minutes between the two major cities, as well as long-distance trains to Chemnitz.