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Saxony’s rail funding row threatens key Dresden–Prague and Görlitz train projects

A bitter funding dispute puts Saxony’s cross-border train ambitions at risk. Will Dresden’s vital rail links to Prague and Görlitz ever get back on track?

As we can see in the image there is train, railway track, cars, current poles, trees and sky.
As we can see in the image there is train, railway track, cars, current poles, trees and sky.

Saxony’s rail funding row threatens key Dresden–Prague and Görlitz train projects

A dispute over rail funding has erupted between Saxony’s government and federal authorities. Key projects, including the Dresden–Prague and Dresden–Görlitz routes, were left out of the latest budget. State officials have now criticised the decision, warning of economic and environmental consequences.

The Dresden–Prague and Dresden–Görlitz rail lines have been priorities for years. A 2003 German-Polish agreement already called for a fully electrified Dresden–Görlitz route, yet progress has stalled. Currently, Germany has just three electrified cross-border rail links in its eastern states—far below the national total of 28.

The row leaves Saxony’s high-speed rail plans in limbo. Without federal backing, the Dresden–Prague and Dresden–Görlitz projects face delays, despite their regional and European significance. State officials must now decide whether to push for alternative funding or renegotiate with Berlin.

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