Decision on Hannover-Hamburg Rail Line Schedule Postponed
Hamburg, February 28 – The Transport Committee has deferred its decision on the timetable for the new Hannover-Hamburg railway line, with an announcement expected next week, according to NDR Niedersachsen. This delay comes amid ongoing discussions regarding the federal Ministry of Transport’s proposal for new construction.
Bundestag Likely to Support New Construction
It is widely anticipated that members of the Bundestag will also advocate for the construction of a new railway line between Hannover and Hamburg. However, it is equally probable that they will not endorse a direct, one-to-one implementation of the federal Ministry of Transport’s report. The Ministry had previously recommended new construction for the section between Meckelfeld, south of Hamburg, and Hannover-Vinnhorst.
Factions Negotiate Amendments
Currently, extensive discussions are reportedly taking place between transport politicians, affected Bundestag members from Lower Saxony, municipal representatives, and the state government in Hannover. The primary objective of these talks is to integrate as many regional preferences as possible. This could encompass aspects such as noise protection measures or specific route details, including the proximity to the Bergen-Belsen memorial site. Despite potential amendment proposals from the members, the overall project costs must not escalate to a degree that renders it economically unviable.
Bundestag to Make Final Decision
These proposed amendments will then be consolidated into a recommendation for a resolution, which will first be deliberated by the Transport Committee and subsequently by the Bundestag. NDR has learned that the Transport Committee is scheduled to decide on the timetable on March 4. Furthermore, the members intend to approve a public hearing on the proposed new railway line between Hannover and Hamburg, slated for April 20, as indicated in a Bundestag document.
Legal Opinion Finds No Disadvantage to Public
A legal opinion from the German Bundestag’s Scientific Service, commissioned by Green Party Bundestag member Matthias Gastel and obtained by NDR, refutes accusations from various regions that the public has not been adequately consulted in the process thus far. The legal opinion states that there is no “legal obligation for the project sponsor to conduct early public participation.” However, it clarifies that the public must be consulted during the subsequent planning approval process.
No Spatial Impact Assessment Required
The accusation that a spatial impact assessment should have been mandatory is also not supported by the Bundestag’s legal experts. They assert that spatial compatibility can be assessed through alternative methods. Additionally, a current draft law proposes that spatial impact assessments will no longer be required for federal railway lines. This measure aims to accelerate the planning and construction of transport projects nationwide.
Chronology of the Hamburg-Hannover Railway Line Debate (Y-Trasse vs. Alpha-E)
The railway line connecting these cities is currently overloaded, and discussions on how to alleviate this situation have been ongoing since 1962. The debate has centered around two primary options: the ‘Y-Trasse’ (Y-route) and the ‘Alpha-E’ expansion concept. While the Y-Trasse involved significant new construction, the Alpha-E proposal focused on upgrading and partially expanding existing lines. The current proposal for new construction marks a significant development in this long-standing discussion.
Railway Line Rehabilitation Postponed
Deutsche Bahn has been forced to postpone the planned rehabilitation of the railway line, originally scheduled for May, due to current winter weather conditions.
New Construction Opponents Submit Books
A citizens’ initiative, advocating for the expansion of existing lines rather than new construction, has delivered 630 books detailing their alternative proposal to members of parliament.
Alliance Calls for Approval of New Construction
An alliance, including the German Transport Club (Verkehrsclub Deutschland), supports the new construction, with the proposal expected to be discussed in the Bundestag’s Transport Committee soon.
Bahn Informs Public on Rehabilitation
Due to the upcoming rehabilitation work, passengers can expect disruptions starting in May. The first information session was held in Celle on Tuesday.
