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New study: Münster-Borken railway line could soon be reactivated!
New study proves the economic feasibility of reactivating the Münster-Borken railway line. Importance for the environment and regional development.
New study: Münster-Borken railway line could soon be reactivated!
Something is happening in the area of rail transport in the region around Münster. A new study by Transport Technologie-Consult Karlsruhe GmbH (TTK) offers fresh ideas for reactivating the railway line between Münster and Bocholt. This new consideration shows economic feasibility that calls into question the previous assessments of the Westphalia-Lippe Local Transport Association (NWL). While the NWL rated five of six variants as unsustainable in 2024, the TTK report could now set the course for a positive development.
The TTK has forecast that around 6,800 passengers could travel on this route every day. This connection would not only offer better connections to Westmünsterland, but would also represent an environmentally friendly alternative to car traffic. The report advocates technically secured level crossings, which could significantly reduce investment costs. Until now, the legal classification of the route as a new construction project was a major hurdle that drove up the costs and requirements. The TTK's proposal to consider the railway line as a reactivation project would significantly reduce the requirements.
Economic prospects
The previous benefit-cost indicators (NKI) were between 0.2 and 0.7. Only the partial reactivation between Borken, Coesfeld and Münster achieved an NKI of around 1.6, which speaks for an economically viable solution. However, this could just be the beginning. TTK advocates redesigning the plans under realistic assumptions and continuing to push the process forward. It looks like the municipalities, the Münsterland Mobility Association (ZVM) and the NWL are now required to take the next steps.
There is great interest in better rail connections in the region. Nevertheless, there are also competing projects, such as the RS2 cycle highway, that are vying for the attention of decision-makers. This means having a good hand and balancing the various requirements in order to ultimately find the best possible solution for everyone involved.
Insight into current topics
In these dynamic times it is important to stay up to date, both in terms of transport connections and the latest news and trends. The developments in Münster could ultimately help to encourage other regions to start similar initiatives and focus on environmentally friendly transport solutions.