"We want to accelerate the pace of our rail network's expansion and are taking an important step with the alliance towards even more efficient rail transport in northern Germany," said Anjes Tjarks, Senator for Transport. Now more than ever, attractive and reliable rail transport is needed to advance the mobility transition and climate protection nationwide. Hamburg is now aiming to become a hub for passenger traffic in northern Europe and for national and international logistics, he added. Ronald Pofalla, Deutsche Bahn's Board Member for Infrastructure, termed the alliance a "rail Hanseatic League". Cross-border co-operation would ease planning in future and make it more effective, faster and comprehensive.
More than EUR 30 billion in rail infrastructure by 2030
The states of Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Bremen and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania joined forces with Deutsche Bahn Wednesday (January 12, 2022) to form the "Future Rail North" alliance. More than EUR 30 billion will be invested in the north's rail infrastructure by 2030 to attract more passengers and freight customers, according to Deutsche Bahn.
Swifter expansion
Alliance to present first results in summer
Preliminary results of "Future Rail North" will be presented in summer 2022, Deutsche Bahn said. The partners have affirmed their goal of accelerating plans and to decide jointly on measures in a declaration of intent. Plans are also being laid to improve building site management.
tn/kk/pb