In his plea in the House of Representatives, advisor Klaas Knot once again urged the construction of the Lely Line. This fast railway line should better connect the Northern Netherlands with the Randstad. The benefits of that railway are difficult to quantify, he said. Betting on it therefore has to do with “faith”.
The costs of major projects such as a high-speed line are easier to calculate in advance than the benefits, Knot said. He summarized these benefits: “This concerns economic structure reinforcement, housing construction, business activity, improved accessibility and national cohesion. Ensuring that every region really counts.”
The plan for the railway line between Groningen and Lelystad is still many billions short. Before the next step in the development of the railway line can be taken, 75 percent of the budget is needed. The total amount was previously estimated at around 14 billion euros.
Knot, previously head of De Nederlandsche Bank, provided advice on the Lely line at the beginning of this year. To reach 75 percent, he recommended that the government save 400 million euros annually. A lot of money, he acknowledged. “At the same time: it is less than 0.04 percent of our gross national product.”
Questions from members of the House of Representatives echoed with enthusiasm about the railway. MPs were looking for ways to take steps despite the billion-dollar deficit, such as lowering the standard of 75 percent. That choice is up to politicians, Knot replied, although he also warned: “What you are doing is postponing some of the financial risks.”
