The three-country train that was to connect Maastricht with both Liège and Aachen from December this year is being delayed. The first trains will now only start running in the first half of 2024. This was reported by the resigning Dutch State Secretary Vivianne Heijnen to the Dutch House of Representatives.
The delay is due to “unforeseen technical challenges” surrounding the various security systems. As a result, the application had to be submitted to the European railway agency ERA later than expected.
“I very much regret this delay,” Heijnen wrote. She emphasizes that everyone involved has done their utmost to complete this important rail connection on time. The Dutch State Secretary expects to be able to say before the end of the year exactly when the three-country train will run for the first time.
Gilkinet: “Really disappointed”
In our country, Minister of Mobility Georges Gilkinet (Ecolo) reacts disappointed to the news. “I only just heard this news from the Netherlands. I am really disappointed that carrier Arriva did not do its homework well and quickly enough. But I am confident that a postponement will not be a cancellation. In the meantime, the traveler remains assured of a good connection between Liège and Maastricht.”
“This temporary setback makes it clear how important it is to remove technical and regulatory barriers,” says Gilkinet. “That is crucial. Not only for travelers from the border regions, but for all of us, for our economy and our mobility. I will make this a priority action point during the Belgian presidency of the European Union.”
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