The Lower Saxony project involves the construction, upgrading and electrification of a new line.
Arriva regional train on the line Zwolle – Mariënberg – Emmen.
Work is currently underway to study the feasibility of a project in the north-east of the Netherlands to create a road between Groningen, Emmen, Almelo and Enschede on the German border.
The Lower Saxony railway project envisages upgrading the line from Veendam south to Stadtskanaal, which is currently used by heritage railways, building a new 34 km line from here to Emmen, and modernizing the rest of the way to the border.
The development phase includes a feasibility study and evaluation of how the project will improve public transport in the area, reduce journey times, attract road users to the railway, integrate stations into local communities and improve links with Germany. This work is expected to be completed in 2028, when a decision will be made on whether to proceed with the project.
The Dutch government allocated two billion euros to the project, while regional governments allocated 50 million euros. Most of the €2 billion of funding earmarked for the construction of the proposed Lelystad-Heerenveen-Groningen line has been taken, which looks increasingly unlikely.
electrification
The project involves the 1.5 kV DC electrification of the 18 km Almelo-Marienberg section, which has already been approved by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Overijssel District at a cost of €75 million. ProRail has put out a tender for this scheme. Electrical operation is expected to begin in December 2028.
For more information on European railway projects, subscribe to IRJ Pro.
