Special train to Berlin: Western Pomerania fights for 500 million for railway expansion

Special train to Berlin: Western Pomerania fights for 500 million for railway expansion

On Monday morning, a special train from Sassnitz was launched on Rügen to request the urgently needed 500 million euros for the rail expansion in Western Pomerania. Organized by the Vorpommern Magistrale campaign alliance, the train started to move with more than 50 passengers, including business representatives and over a dozen mayors. Among the participants were also Schwerin's Minister of Economic Affairs Wolfgang Blank and the district councilors Stefan Kerth and Michael Sack. The aim of the journey: The expansion of the Western Pomerania Magistral between Berlin and Stralsund to increase the speed to up to 160 km/h, which would shorten the travel time by about half an hour. Die Süddeutsche reported that the atmosphere on the train was optimistic and happy with Buns and drinks were provided.

The project is not only of symbolic importance, but also has a concrete background: The city council of Anklam, Stralsund, Greifswald and Pasewalk contacted Chancellor Olaf Scholz in a fire letter. The mayors express serious concerns that the “Vorpommern Magistrale” is not built due to cost reasons, especially after the planning was stopped at the beginning of 2024. This threatens to harm more economically and democratic if the expansion is not continued. NDR explained that the expansion for the construction of the LNG terminal in Rügen is seen, but of which it is not carried out with the railway expansion Advanced.

federal government under pressure

The federal government is under pressure to find quick solutions. In the summer of 2023, Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck promised the expansion of the railway line between Berlin and Binz for the said 500 million euros. The draft for the federal budget in 2025, which is to be decided on Tuesday in the Federal Cabinet, provides for the project to plan funds. State Secretary Heiko Miraß described the railway expansion as a central traffic project for the region, which suggests broad political support for the project. However, the federal government must now act so that the excitement does not turn into disappointment. Nordkurier emphasizes that in 2023 in total wants to invest about half a billion euros in the expansion of the rail network in Mecklenburg-Western the region promises improved transport links.

The expansion plans are not just a question of speed. They are also crucial for the economic development and the improvement of the infrastructure in Western Pomerania. More than ever, the existence of the connections to tourist strongholds such as Rügen, Hiddensee, Fischland-Darß and Usedom is important. Citizens are eagerly awaiting progress, while the infrastructure often reaches their limits during the main season. Smooth rail traffic could therefore not only shorten the travel time, but also increase the attractiveness of the region.