Schleswig-Holstein will receive 500 million euros for modern electric trains!

Schleswig-Holstein will receive 500 million euros for modern electric trains!

Schleswig-Holstein is facing an exciting new chapter in regional rail transport. Today it was announced that the country will receive a loan of 250 million euros from the European Investment Bank (EIB). This step will be complemented by a further round of financing from German banks, providing a total of 500 million euros to modernize the region's transport infrastructure. ndr.de reports that ...

The newly approved loan will be used to purchase 42 modern electric trains that will run between Kiel, Flensburg, the Danish city of Tinglev as well as Hamburg and Itzehoe. These trains, of the Coradia Max type, are manufactured by Alstom, which was awarded the contract in 2023. One of the great things about this venture is that Alstom will also be responsible for maintaining the trains for a period of 30 years. The state government expects this step not only to make transport more environmentally friendly, but also to save between 70 and 110 million euros over the next three decades.

Sustainability in focus

The new trains will not only offer a high seating capacity of up to 390, but will also allow barrier-free access for strollers, bicycles and luggage. This investment is a clear step towards environmentally friendly mobility. Comprehensive safety standards are guaranteed by the European Train Control System (ETCS), which increases interoperability between different rail networks.

Transport Minister Claus Ruhe Madsen expressed optimism in the announcement: “With this investment, we are taking a big step into the future of rail transport in our region.” Also present at the meeting to present the project was EIB Vice-President Nicola Beer, who underlined the importance of EIB support for the total investment of five billion euros in new regional trains in Germany.

Future ridership and operations

The forecasts predict a passenger number of 21.9 million in the new trains' first year of operation, which could increase the attractiveness of rail travel in Schleswig-Holstein. The trains are scheduled to go into operation from December 2027 on the important routes between Kiel, Flensburg, Tinglev and beyond. This promises not only better connections between cities, but also a hassle-free and comfortable travel experience.

In the coming period, ZUG.SH, which was founded specifically for the procurement and management of railway vehicles, will work closely on the implementation of this ambitious project. This is just one part of the comprehensive effort to make Germany's rail networks fit for the future, as shown by examples from other parts of Germany where similar projects are being carried out with EIB support. The EIB provided large sums of money for various projects, demonstrating the European Commission's commitment to more sustainable rail transport.

With this significant financial support and the planned environmentally friendly trains, the course has been set for sustainable local public transport in Schleswig-Holstein. The anticipation of the coming changes is palpable, and people can look forward to a new way of getting around that is both sustainable and comfortable.