Advocacy by Transport Minister Tabbert for an increase in railway infrastructure in the northern region - Transport Minister Tabbert advocates for expansion of railways in the northern region
Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Push for Railway Expansion
A significant push for the expansion of railway connections between Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is underway, with the project aiming to improve the quality of life in these regions. Detlef Tabbert, the Minister of Transport for the BSW party, is advocating for this expansion, having previously discussed the matter with the new Federal Minister of Transport, Patrick Schneider (CDU).
The railway expansion project in question, known as Prignitz-South Mecklenburg, is intended to benefit commuters, businesses, and tourists alike. The project is currently considering a mixed variant for the expansion, with a study having found two feasible expansion variants in the northwest of Brandenburg and southwest of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
One of the locations mentioned in the project is Potsdam. The expansion of cross-border rail traffic is expected to improve travel times, reliability, and passenger comfort, which is crucial for regional economic development.
Currently, a major renovation of the Hamburg–Berlin railway line, which serves parts of Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, is in progress. This federal modernization project aims to improve operational quality and reliability on this key corridor. Additionally, temporary connections, such as new bus lines and a special RE85 train from Schwerin to Berlin during construction, show coordinated efforts to maintain connectivity while upgrading infrastructure.
Regional planning initiatives in Berlin and Brandenburg envision reopening and extending several local and S-Bahn lines over the next decade to enhance direct routes and service coverage. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is also promoting cross-district regional bus routes integrated with rail services as part of a "mobility offensive" aiming to create a dense, sustainable, and climate-friendly public transport network.
The next steps for the realization of a railway expansion variant with a speed of 80 kilometers per hour on the examined routes will be discussed at the joint cabinet meeting of both federal states in September. The completion of current renovations on the Hamburg-Berlin corridor by mid-2026, subject to funding and cost-benefit analysis, is also a key next step.
Minister Tabbert aims to campaign for the railway expansion at the federal level, with the ultimate goal of balancing infrastructure investment with minimizing disruption during construction phases and tailoring services to regional needs. The ongoing stakeholder coordination among federal, state, and regional transport authorities will ensure synchronized planning, minimizing impacts, and maximizing benefits.
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- The community policy of Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern includes the vocational training of citizens, given the projected boost in job opportunities due to the railway expansion.
- The railway expansion project, called Prignitz-South Mecklenburg, has the potential to significantly impact industries and finances of both states, as it is expected to attract more tourists and improve business commuting.
- As part of the regional news, the upcoming joint cabinet meeting will focus on policy-and-legislation regarding the railway expansion, with discussions including transportation, politics, and policy implementation.
