Lack of switches in Schleswig-Holstein: rail traffic is at risk of coming to a standstill!

Lack of switches in Schleswig-Holstein: rail traffic is at risk of coming to a standstill!

Schleswig-Holstein is under pressure! The lack of switches, an essential part of the railway infrastructure, poses a massive threat to rail operations. Travelers often have to expect delays, especially on busy routes such as Elmshorn-Westerland and Kiel-Neumünster. According to the Pro Bahn passenger association, there has been a decline of around 50 percent of switches in Germany since the 1990s, which is now also hitting Schleswig-Holstein hard. The state's economics minister, Claus Ruhe Madsen, is calling for more investment from the federal government in order to renovate the dilapidated infrastructure and reduce delays, which further burden the already weak route network ndr.de reported.

The switch problem is not only a logistical nuisance, but also has consequences for the connection between tourism and the economy. Madsen emphasizes that without a sufficient number of switches, diversions and flexibility in rail traffic are hardly possible. Although Deutsche Bahn plans to invest massive sums in rail infrastructure by 2027, experts like Jan Niemeyer express concerns about the actual implementation. Future projects should also include electrification and the construction of new switches to improve punctuality. However, immediate action is needed to regain rider confidence after pandemic-related declines affected public transport use, such as schleswig-holstein.de reported.

Plan to improve regional transport

As part of the new state-wide local transport plan (LNVP), the aim is to optimize local public rail transport. Future measures include the introduction of battery-powered vehicles and the reactivation of certain routes and stations. However, these initiatives are in jeopardy as long as the switch issue is not addressed. In order to win back lost passengers and increase quality, comprehensive infrastructure renovation and improved planning are essential. The goal is clear: flexible and reliable rail transport for Schleswig-Holstein's citizens and visitors!