By Lynda Myer
As the preferable option for a new rail route between Dresden and Prague, a 30km tunnel has announced by Deutsche Bahn.
Being located through the Ore Mountains between Heidenau and the Czech transport hub Ústí nad Labem, this tunnel is due to be the Germany’s longest railway tunnel.
Considering this tunnel as the best solution for the environment as well as in terms of traffic, technology and economy, was the result of 30 months of community engagement and exploring partial and full tunnel options by Deutsche Bahn (DB).
The advantages of this new route will be easing pressure on the existing line in the Elbe Valley and providing a flood-safe alternative.
Additionally, 46km of new tracks, almost 90 new switches, modern control and safety technology as well as new parking options for trains, will be the contents of this project.
Martin Dulig, minister for economic affairs, labour and transport of the Free State of Saxony said: “The cross-border connection between Dresden and Prague is of great importance for the whole of Europe. It helps to eliminate existing capacity restrictions in freight transport, strengthen trade and transport routes in Europe and enable future-oriented travel. Accelerating the project is also desirable in view of EU funding. The route therefore needs absolute priority, and it is given this in both countries.”
The scheduled date for submitting the preferred option to the German Bundestag after further community engagement is the mid-2024. The government is expected to decide on the implementation and financing by the end of the current legislative period.
