Four hundred highly qualified jobs, an investment of more than 400 million euros. Berlin and Brandenburg are fighting together against Frankfurt/Main for the contract to build a new ICE plant. The favored location according to BZ information: urban estate areas near Großbeeren south of the gates of the capital.
“Long-distance traffic is being drastically expanded, and Berlin is to become a very important hub,” says regional DB representative Alexander Kaczmarek (59). “The number of connections will double, so you need more trains and they need more maintenance facilities.”
The number of long-distance travelers nationwide is expected to increase from 151 (2019) to 260 million per year. In addition, 100 additional trains are to be put on the rails. New plants have already been decided for Nuremberg and Dortmund – now it’s about the next location decision.
“In addition to logistical advantages, Berlin-Brandenburg offers above all the dynamic environment for a modern ICE fleet: In addition to the railways, many new and established companies are currently investing in digital and analogue rails,” says State Secretary for Energy Tino Schopf (47). Berlin and Brandenburg would coordinate closely.
Over 30 possible locations were scanned in the capital region. The criteria: as few conflicts with nature conservation as possible, few houses nearby and a nearby main line to prevent long empty runs.
The search started in the Südkreuz area. While Rangsdorf and Baruth ended up in 2nd/3rd place, Großbeeren won the race internally.
The area required: 50 hectares, around 4000 meters long and 400 meters wide. Enough space for up to six hall tracks and up to 20 sidings, for a wheelset lathe, washing systems, diagnostic stations. The biggest advantage of Großbeeren: only 10 minutes drive to Südkreuz.
In Berlin itself there is no suitable and available space. But the area near Großbeeren also belongs to the state of Berlin. The location decision will be made this year.
