The Dutch government has earmarked €98 million for the electrification of two railway lines in the east of the country. The 46 km Zutphen – Hengelo line and the 19 km Almelo – Mariënberg line will be retrofitted with overhead lines. This funding commitment came as a surprise, as the government had announced in 2023 that no funds were available for such projects. The total cost of both projects is estimated at €200 million, with the difference to be borne by the regional governments of Gelderland and Overijssel. The transport services on both lines are currently being operated by Arriva. In addition, the electrification of the 107 km Maaslijn between Nijmegen, Venlo, and Roermond is expected to begin in 2025 and be completed in 2027, seven years later than originally planned.
