Is there a threat of an electrification gap between Mühldorf and Braunau?

Is there a threat of an electrification gap between Mühldorf and Braunau?

In the Mühldorf and Braunau region, the urgently needed electrification of the Mühldorf to Simbach railway line has been discussed for some time. But the current situation is anything but satisfactory. Despite political announcements and demands to have the railway line from Munich via Mühldorf to Freilassing and Burghausen (ABS 38) electrified, progress on the Mühldorf – Simbach section is stalling. The MeinBezirk reported that this standstill could potentially lead to an “electrification gap” between Mühldorf and Braunau am Inn. This would not only cut off communities, but also have a negative impact on commuters and cross-border freight traffic.

In July, a conversation took place in Simbach between mayors, district administrators and representatives, to which experts such as Anke Hering from the Südostbayernbahn were also invited. They highlighted the current status of the project and showed that long-term plans for other sections are already in the approval process. In contrast, this particular section has not yet made any tangible progress.

Prospects for electrification

The electrification of the Innkreisbahn from Neumarkt-Kallham to Braunau is planned by 2029/30, and on the Austrian side the Mattigtalbahn will also be electrified to Braunau. This shows that progress is definitely being made at the regional level. But in order to close the gaps mentioned, it is essential that the plans for the Mühldorf-Simbach route be processed quickly. The municipal representatives were appealed to increase the pressure on the Federal Ministry of Transport in order to receive the planning order by the end of the year.

The problem has been discussed by Mühldorf-Simbach for years. The last handover of freight trains between Simbach and Mühldorf was stopped in April 2011, which led to the devaluation of Simbach as a freight station. The lack of railcars even leads to the replacement of locomotive-hauled trains around Mühldorf, which further complicates the situation.

Electrification in the Bavarian context

In the Bavarian region, only around 55 percent of the tracks have overhead lines. Nevertheless, the federal government and the Free State are planning to lay almost 1,000 kilometers of new overhead lines in order to further electrify the rail network. The aim is to supply over 70 percent of the rail network with electricity by 2040, with the remaining routes possibly being hybrid, battery-powered or hydrogen-powered in the future, as can be read on the Bahnausbau Bayern website.

With the ongoing planning and the possibility of creating a movement on the matter through pressure from municipalities and citizens, it is to be hoped that the “electrification gap” will soon be a thing of the past and the Mühldorf and Braunau region can finally benefit from a modern and reliable rail network.