Bitterfeld–Stumsdorf railway revival gains speed with €130M plan

Plans to revive the Bitterfeld–Stumsdorf railway line have gained momentum. Local politicians and residents are pushing for its return to ease heavy traffic on nearby roads. A recent feasibility study has now assessed its potential for reactivation. Passenger services on the line were halted in 2002, with freight traffic ending two years later. However, part of the route—the Bitterfeld–Zörbig section—was restored for freight in 2005 by the town of Zörbig.

In 2024, NASA GmbH commissioned a study to explore bringing the full line back into use. Transport Consult GmbH (PTV) and Transport Technologie Consult carried out the assessment. The estimated cost for reactivation stands at €130 million, with up to 90% of this sum potentially covered under the Municipal Transport Financing Act.

Lydia Hüskens, Minister for Infrastructure and Digital Affairs, recently inspected the Bitterfeld–Zörbig–Stumsdorf line. She stressed the importance of moving quickly through planning with minimal variations to maintain progress. Hüskens also noted that success depends on close cooperation among all project partners. If reactivated, the line could link around 31,000 residents to Central Germany’s S-Bahn network. The project aims to reduce road congestion while improving regional transport links. Funding and planning are now key to its potential revival.