Lusatian municipalities insist on double-track rail expansion

The municipalities of Lusatia are insisting on a full double-track expansion of the Cottbus-Görlitz rail line in Saxony. Reducing the line to a single track at the border between Brandenburg and Saxony would be a serious setback for structural change and economic development throughout the Lusatia region, according to a statement from the Lusatia Roundtable. 

Given Saxony’s empty coffers, the municipalities fear that the expansion could be in jeopardy. However, the final decision on the matter has not yet been made. The municipalities are calling on the state governments of Brandenburg and Saxony, as well as the federal government, to ensure funding for the entire project. 

The line is scheduled to go into operation in the 2040s

For the mayors, the double-track expansion of theline is one of the region’s most important infrastructure projects, the statement continued. It is indispensable for attracting businesses, recruiting skilled workers, and maintaining connections to Berlin and European economic regions.

As Deutsche Bahn states on its website, the line is to be expanded to two tracks and electrified. The expansion will allow trains to travel at speeds of 160 on the route. Electrification between Görlitz Station and the Polish border is already under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2027. The main construction work is set to begin in the early 2030s. The line is scheduled to become fully operational in the 2040s.