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Rail chaos between Chemnitz and Leipzig: Initiative sounds the alarm!
Chemnitz rail initiative is calling for additional connections to Leipzig due to repeated train cancellations. Urgent need for action!
Rail chaos between Chemnitz and Leipzig: Initiative sounds the alarm!
The Chemnitz rail initiative is sounding the alarm. There are always problems on the regional express line to Leipzig, which manifest themselves in the form of almost weekly cancellations, delays and capacity bottlenecks. According to Sebastian Drechsler, spokesman for the initiative, this important connection is at risk of total failure. Frustration among passengers is growing, which only increases the urgency of the situation. Drechsler is therefore increasingly calling for reliable additional traffic every two hours via Riesa.
The initiative also points out the possibility of renting additional trains to compensate for technical failures. It is emphasized that the current rail connection is not sufficient to meet regional transport needs. According to MDR there is even a demand for an expansion of the existing intercity connection between Chemnitz and Rostock to a two-hour interval in order to reduce congestion on the route via Leipzig.
Capacity bottlenecks and technical problems
Currently only diesel vehicles run between Chemnitz and Leipzig. While the rail initiative is pushing for additional electric multiple units from the Central Saxony Transport Association (VMS), a lack of resources and trained train drivers are a major issue. There is currently uncertainty as to whether Deutsche Bahn has enough trains and staff in reserve for the connection.
These uncertainties have been exacerbated by the problems with older double-decker trains, which have been considered less reliable since the 1990s. What is particularly appalling for passengers is the odor nuisance in the carriages, which is caused by technical defects such as the intake of diesel exhaust gases via the air conditioning systems. In this context, a wagon heading to Leipzig has already been blocked because the turnaround time in Chemnitz is not sufficient to adequately ventilate the wagon.
Wishes and demands of the rail initiative
The rail initiative also makes it clear that there are already train connections between Chemnitz and Riesa, which have so far been used mainly for major events. A sensible interim solution could therefore be the introduction of additional trains on these routes. Current plans are to use Alstom's new generation of battery-powered trains, but delivery has been delayed and older double-decker trains had to be rented as replacements.
The initiative calls on the state government to quickly provide funds for the expansion of the route. “We are facing a massive problem that can no longer be ignored,” emphasizes Drechsler. The situation challenges both politicians and railway companies to find timely solutions to ensure mobility between Chemnitz and Leipzig.