WORK is underway to study the feasibility of a project in the northeast of the Netherlands to create a through route between Groningen, Emmen, Almelo and Enschede on the German border.
The Lower Saxony rail project envisages upgrading the line from Veendam south to Stadskanaal, which is currently used by a heritage railway, construction of a new 34km line from here to Emmen, and upgrading the rest of the route to the border.
The development phase comprises a feasibility study, and an assessment of how the project will improve public transport in the region, reduce journey times, attract road users to rail, integrate stations into local communities and improve links to Germany. This work is expected to be completed in 2028, when a decision on whether to proceed with the project will be taken.
The Dutch government has allocated €2bn to the project, while regional governments have committed €50m. Most of the €2bn has been taken from the funding set aside for the construction of the proposed Lely line between Lelystad, Heerenveen and Groningen, which looks increasingly unlikely.
Electrification
The project includes electrification at 1.5kV dc of the 18km the Almelo - Mariënberg section, which has already been approved by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Province of Overijssel at a cost €75m. ProRail is out to tender for the scheme. Electric operation is expected to start in December 2028.
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