German state railway DB has presented its preferred option for a new line between Dresden and Prague, which involves the construction of an approx. 30 km long tunnel through the Erzgebirge mountains. This decision is based on a two-and-a-half-year planning phase by technical experts. The tunnel option was identified as the most environmentally friendly, most efficient, and most economical solution. As a result of the tunnel construction, the cities of Dresden and Prague will only be around an hour apart. The construction of the new tunnel also includes the upgrading of the line between Dresden and Heidenau, including the construction of 46 km of new track, around 90 new points, as well as modern control and safety technology. The public dialogues on this project will begin in January 2024, and the preferred option should be finalised by mid-2025. DB will then submit the documents to the German Federal Parliament for consultation. The parliamentarians are expected to decide on the implementation and financing of the preferred option by the end of the current legislative period in 2025.
