A new train station just across the provincial border at Nieuw-Buinen is a lot closer. The municipality of Stadskanaal has officially designated Dideldom as a future station location. It should be a starting point for restarting the Veendam-Stadskanaal railway line and later the entire Lower Saxony line.
The municipality of Stadskanaal and Borger-Odoorn worked together in the past to make a new train station possible. The Dideldom location, with a school campus, would provide an impetus for the local economy and prosperity in the region.
However, it does not mean that the train station will be there soon. The associated area development stands or falls with the realization of the Lower Saxony Line. This is still a long time coming, now that a new study has significantly delayed the MIRT exploration due to a shortage of money from The Hague.
In addition, not all partners are eager to have a station at Dideldom. State Secretary Chris Jansen (public transport) previously indicated that ‘other governments’ have doubts about the location. According to RTV1, this concerns carrier Arriva; they want the STAR as a location for the new train station.
“We would like to continue with this for the residents of Stadskanaal,” said an Arriva spokesperson. According to the carrier, this could be achieved more quickly. “If you wait for the entire Lower Saxony line with Dideldom station, this means a postponement for the first phase Groningen-Stadskanaal. And that would be a shame, especially for travelers.”
The municipality is not concerned about this for the time being. A spokesperson expects that once the research has been completed, the municipality will be able to explain to Arriva why Dideldom is the best location.
“We also do not expect that any MIRT exploration will come to a different conclusion,” said Verhagen. “In fact, we think it will only further confirm that Dideldom is the best location.”