Baltic Sea endeavor faces potential collapse: examining the reasons behind its precarious state

Baltic Sea endeavor faces potential collapse: examining the reasons behind its precarious state

The picturesque island of Usedom, known for its fine sandy beaches and sunshine records, has long been a popular destination for tourists in Germany. However, getting there by train has been a less than ideal experience, with travel times often exceeding four hours and journeys often overcrowded.

Recently, plans have been proposed to reactivate the railway line from Berlin to Usedom, a dream that has been in the works for some time. The reactivation of the southern connection via Karnin is part of the plan to reduce travel time to just two hours by ICE (Intercity-Express) trains.

The southern connection has been included in the federal government's rail demand plan, but it currently falls under the "potential demand" category. This means that while there is recognition of the need for improved rail connections, the specifics of the plan are still being evaluated.

The proposal to revive the railway line has been reported by the "Berliner Zeitung", but concerns have been raised about the full exploitation of traffic potentials and possible financial support. Jürgen Murach, a prominent figure, has criticised the current state of affairs, calling for a more comprehensive approach to funding and planning.

The Usedomer Eisenbahner friends, a group dedicated to preserving and promoting rail travel, will remind the public of this goal at the traditional bridge day on August 16. The event will serve as a reminder of the impressive swing bridge at Karnin, which once allowed trains to travel directly from Berlin to Usedom. Today, only the rusty framework of the swing bridge remains above water, and the railway line no longer exists.

The state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania plans a single-track, electrified line with a speed of 120 km/h for the reactivated railway. The planning phase for this project is expected to cost up to 120 million euros, with the reactivation of the southern connection estimated to cost between 560 and 580 million euros.

The Baltic Sea tourist season has been disappointing this year, with some tourists expressing dissatisfaction, stating "This is a shitty summer." The integration of Poland could give the Baltic Sea project a European dimension, but this is missing in the current planning. A cost-benefit analysis must be commissioned by the federal government for the Baltic Sea project to be promoted.

Once completed, hourly regional trains from Rostock and two-hourly long-distance trains from Berlin are planned, making travel to Usedom a more convenient and enjoyable experience for tourists. The revival of the railway line to Usedom Island is a dream that is slowly becoming a reality, offering the promise of a more accessible and enjoyable holiday destination for all.

The revival of the railway line from Berlin to Usedom isn't merely about reducing travel time; it's also a step towards enhancing the lifestyle and travel options for tourists seeking a home-and-garden-oriented retreat on Usedom Island. The proposed project, if successful, could transition Usedom from a seasonal travel destination to a year-round retreat, intertwining home-and-garden relaxation with the charm of travel experiences.

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