Suche
Mein Konto
Harz narrow-gauge railway in crisis: million-dollar hole threatens the future!
The Harz narrow-gauge railways are under financial pressure. Minister Hüskens calls for reforms to reduce costs and renovate.
Harz narrow-gauge railway in crisis: million-dollar hole threatens the future!
The Harzer Schmalspurbahnen (HSB) is currently facing a financial challenge that not only endangers the future of the company, but also the region's tourism factor. Loud News38 HSB's deficit in the first six months of 2023 amounted to around 4 million euros, a decrease compared to the previous year, where the deficit was 5.6 million euros. However, the question remains as to how this problem can be solved sustainably.
The Saxony-Anhalt Infrastructure Minister Lydia Hüskens (FDP) is calling for a well-thought-out concept to reduce running costs. “We cannot simply compensate for every deficit,” she emphasizes, emphasizing the value of HSB for the region. A long-term plan is intended to help ensure the continued existence of the HSB, but the renovation of the route network and vehicles will cost three-digit million euros and will not let those responsible rest.
Need for action and future prospects
Supervisory board chairman Thomas Balcerowski (CDU) warns urgently of the “existential danger” for the HSB if additional funds are not expected from the states soon. The existing route network and vehicles urgently need comprehensive renovations. A current report is already examining possible savings potential, and route closures and a thinned out timetable are also being considered Day24 reported.
The pressure for greater efficiency due to the high costs also becomes clear in the political discussion. The expenditure per kilometer in the Harz is around 47 euros, while in the rest of the rail network it is only 15.40 euros. Such differences make it all the more important to make HSB future-proof.
Investments and support
A new economic and investment plan is expected by the end of September. Minister Hüskens is waiting for the results and at the same time calls for a critical examination of the savings options. Despite this desolate situation, there are also positive outlooks: HSB expects around 1.14 million passengers in 2024 and will therefore remain a central part of tourism in the region. This could also strengthen the political will to provide additional funding.
At the national level, the federal government is planning massive investments in infrastructure and has put together a package of 166 billion euros by 2029, which will particularly benefit the renovation of dilapidated railway lines and motorway bridges. These measures could also help HSB in the future daily news reported. Around 107 billion euros are to flow specifically into rail.
What will happen next with the Harz narrow-gauge railways remains to be seen. But the HSB plays an important role in regional tourism and the need for reform is becoming increasingly urgent. One thing is certain, however: there is still a lot to be done to secure the future of the HSB and at the same time preserve the tourist attractiveness of the Harz.