German railways are to phase out the connection of the Dutch Betuwe line to the Ruhr region next year. The modernisation could mean a big boost for the port of Rotterdam.
Construction of the Dutch section of the Betuwe line started back in the 1990s. The 158-kilometre infrastructure project cost €4.7 billion at the time, a significantly higher sum than the estimated €2.5 billion. It was therefore a disappointment when the line failed to make a profit after completion, as almost no additional freight was transported on it. Only after modernisation in Germany could the line be fully utilised.
Competition
With the modernisation of the German section of the line, this should change. Refurbishing the existing section will boost freight transport between Rotterdam and the German Ruhr region. Initially, the connection may mean competition for the port of Rotterdam, as less goods will be transported by water. In the longer term, however, the Dutch port will only grow because of the improved accessibility.
The work in Germany will last until 2022 and will cost around €1.5 billion.
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