Chemnitz must be connected to long-distance transport more quickly
Information event with the Saxon Minister of Economic Affairs and the Group Authorised Representative of Deutsche Bahn AG
The Initiative Fernbahnanbindung (long-distance rail link initiative) had invited people to Chemnitz for a public information event on the current status of the long-distance rail link. Mayor Barbara Ludwig welcomed Martin Dulig, Saxony's Minister of Economics, Labour and Transport, and Eckart Fricke, Deutsche Bahn AG's Group Representative for the Southeast Region, to the City Council Chamber. Many Chemnitz citizens and company representatives had accepted the public invitation.
In her introductory remarks, Mayor Ludwig emphasised the need to connect the city of Chemnitz to the long-distance rail network of Deutsche Bahn AG: "There is no city of this size in Germany that does not have a long-distance rail connection. This situation is unacceptable. The expansion of the long-distance transport network is not only important for local entrepreneurs, commuters and tourists, but also for the attractiveness of the city of Chemnitz as the Capital of Culture 2025."
The Saxon Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour and Transport, Martin Dulig, emphasised the importance of Chemnitz's connection to the long-distance transport network, but at the same time qualified that the review of the three Saxon projects included in the potential requirements of the Federal Transport Infrastructure Plan 2030 had not yet been completed. Part of this examination is a cost-benefit analysis as well as the consideration of ecological aspects. Results are not expected until the end of this year at the earliest. In addition to the electrification of the Chemnitz-Leipzig line, the projects include the electrification of the Dresden-Görlitz line and the new construction of the Dresden-Prague line. Eckart Fricke, Group Representative of Deutsche Bahn AG for the south-east region, presented the new long-distance transport concept and network of Deutsche Bahn AG and gave a timeline for connecting Chemnitz to the long-distance network. According to this, a connection can be made in 2022 at the earliest.
In the discussion round, the representatives of Chemnitz companies present emphasised the importance of such a long-distance connection for the city and the region and for attracting new skilled workers. The request was also made to examine short-term alternatives. Both Martin Dulig and Eckart Fricke took up the suggestions.
Mayor Ludwig concluded: "This event has once again brought us to the attention of the railway and politicians and emphasised the need to find solutions quickly. The next public event in this format is due to take place in spring 2018 and I hope that the first results will be available then."