Munich (dpa / lby) – Despite the massive increase in costs, the Bavarian state government is continuing to build the second main route in Munich. “We stand by the second regular route,” said Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) on Thursday in Munich. The Free Voters are also behind the “Project of the Century”. Although there is still a fundamental review, there will be no delays on the part of the state government. The trend is clear.
“We see light in the tunnel on the 2nd trunk line,” emphasized Söder. The numbers are finally on the table. The second trunk route is of central importance for the future of Bavaria. It is not only important for the greater Munich area, the rail network also extends to Upper Bavaria, Lower Bavaria and the Allgäu.
Railway chief Richard Lutz had previously informed the state government that the construction of the second main line would cost around seven billion euros, and that construction would last until at least 2035. The total already includes a risk buffer of 1.5 billion euros for further price increases. He cited increased construction and material costs, project expansions and a significantly increased risk buffer as reasons.
“The Free State of Bavaria will become a much stricter partner,” said Söder. There is stricter controlling and more transparency is needed. An accompanying committee in the state parliament is also a good idea.
With a view to the cost sharing between the federal and state governments, Söder said it was now clear that the federal government would continue to bear 60 percent of the costs, “including the additional costs”.
