Ruhr-Main Rail Corridor: A Trans-European Transport Link

This text discusses the potential for a new high-speed rail line connecting the Ruhr area (specifically Dortmund) too Frankfurt, Germany.Here’s a breakdown of the key points and concerns raised:

1. Route Considerations:

Existing Proposals: There’s a suggestion for a route from Dortmund-Hörde and Schwerte, but it’s deemed too narrow and densely developed. Another proposal, by “Jan_lukas,” suggests a western route between Dortmund-Oespel and the Technical University of Dortmund along the A45.
Hagen Central Station: The author questions whether Hagen Central Station should be included, noting that it would require a change in direction if following the river Ruhr.
Tunnel Issues: The Goldberg tunnel is mentioned as a likely impossibility for this route.
Southern Connection: The author debates whether a route through Letmathe, Altena, and Finnentrop is preferable, or if including larger cities like Lüdenscheid and Olpe would be better for attracting passengers.
Geographical Limitations: The author admits their local geographical knowledge is limited beyond a certain point and that a route via “Victoria” (likely a typo for a place name, perhaps a viadukt or another geographical feature) seems obvious, possibly continuing to “cast” (again, likely a place name).
External Resources: The author points to a specific proposal on “linieplus.de” (https://linieplus.de/proposal/sfs-bochum-dortmund-frankfurt-300km-h-mit-halten/) as a starting point for discussion and potential variants.

2. Economic Viability:

“Economy” as Necessity: The author acknowledges that the term “economy” is arduous to separate from the basic necessity of such a project.
Travel Time Targets: A key question is whether the proposed line could achieve a “tact minute” (a specific departure/arrival time interval) of exactly one hour or one and a half hours between Dortmund and Frankfurt. The author questions the feasibility and economic sense of this.
Competition with Existing Lines: The proposed route is geographically close to the existing Cologne-Rhine/Main express line. The author wonders about the competitive advantage, as the Ruhr area is a large metropolitan region, but there seems to be less public demand for this southern connection compared to the support for the Cologne line from local businesses.
Purpose of the Relation: The author notes that the route has historically been intended for freight traffic. Previous attempts at long-distance passenger traffic (like the IC 34) have failed. This leads to a “chicken and egg” question: is the demand low because the infrastructure is poor, or is the infrastructure poor because the demand is low?
Starting Point Debate: If Dortmund is the starting point, the advantage of the new line might only extend to Essen/Wuppertal. This prompts a discussion about whether a more central Ruhr location like Essen would be a better starting point.
Northern Extension: The possibility of extending the line northwards is also mentioned.
* advantage of Hamm (Westphalia): The author suggests hamm (Westphalia) main station might be a good option due to potentially lower node utilization and easier connection possibilities.

In essence, the text is a preliminary exploration of a new high-speed rail line, raising critical questions about routing, technical feasibility, economic justification, and competition with existing infrastructure. The author is seeking input and discussion on these points.

How does the Ruhr-Main rail corridor contribute to the efficiency of global supply chains?

Understanding the Corridor’s Significance

The Ruhr-Main rail corridor is a critical component of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), connecting the industrial heartland of the Ruhr area to the economic powerhouses of southern Germany and beyond.This vital railway line facilitates freight and passenger transport, playing a key role in European logistics and regional growth. The corridor’s importance is amplified by its connection to major ports like Rotterdam and Antwerp,making it a crucial link in global supply chains. Key regions served include North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, Bavaria, and Baden-Württemberg.

Key Routes and Infrastructure

The Ruhr-Main corridor isn’t a single line, but a network of interconnected railway tracks. Here’s a breakdown of the primary routes:

Ruhr Area to Frankfurt: This section focuses on connecting the industrial centers of the Ruhr with the financial hub of Frankfurt.Upgrades here prioritize increased capacity for both freight and high-speed passenger services.

frankfurt to Würzburg: This stretch traverses the Main River valley, offering scenic routes but also presenting engineering challenges for modernization.

Würzburg to Nuremberg: connecting Bavaria’s major cities, this segment is vital for regional economic integration and passenger travel.

Connections to the Rhine-Ruhr Ports: Direct rail links to Duisburg, Dortmund, and other Rhine-Ruhr ports are essential for efficient intermodal transport.

Significant infrastructure projects along the corridor include:

Tunneling and Bridge Construction: Addressing bottlenecks through new tunnels and bridge expansions.

Electrification: Expanding electrification to reduce carbon emissions and improve efficiency.

Signaling System Upgrades: Implementing ETCS (European Train Control System) Level 2 for enhanced safety and capacity.

Capacity Expansion: Adding new tracks and passing loops to accommodate increased traffic.

Freight Transport & Logistics

The Ruhr-Main corridor is a major artery for freight transport in Europe. It handles a diverse range of goods, including:

Coal and Steel: Historically significant, though volumes are decreasing with the shift to renewable energy.

Automotive Components: Serving the automotive industry in both the Ruhr and southern Germany.

Chemical products: Transporting chemicals from the chemical clusters in the Ruhr area.

Consumer Goods: Facilitating the distribution of consumer products across Europe.

Intermodal Freight: Increasingly reliant on intermodal transport, combining rail with road and waterway transport.

Benefits of Rail Freight on the Corridor:

Reduced Congestion: Shifting freight from road to rail alleviates traffic congestion on highways.

Lower Emissions: Rail transport is significantly more environmentally kind than road transport.

Increased Efficiency: Rail can move large volumes of goods efficiently over long distances.

Cost Savings: For certain types of freight,rail can offer cost savings compared to road transport.

Passenger rail Services

The corridor supports a complete network of passenger rail services, including:

high-Speed Intercity-Express (ICE) Trains: Connecting major cities with fast and agreeable travel.

Regional Express (RE) trains: Providing frequent service between regional centers.

Local Trains (S-Bahn): Serving commuters and connecting smaller towns.

Recent Improvements in Passenger Service:

Increased Frequency: More frequent train services on key routes.

New Rolling Stock: Introduction of modern, comfortable trains.

Improved Station Facilities: Upgraded stations with better accessibility and amenities.

Digitalization: Real-time passenger facts and online ticketing.

challenges and Future Developments

Despite its importance, the Ruhr-Main corridor faces several challenges:

Capacity Constraints: Increasing traffic volumes are straining the capacity of the existing infrastructure.

Aging Infrastructure: Parts of the railway line are aging and require modernization.

Cross-Border Coordination: Coordinating infrastructure projects across different German states can be complex.

Environmental Concerns: Balancing transport needs with environmental protection.

Future Developments:

Digital Rail Germany: A national initiative to digitize the German railway network,including the Ruhr-Main corridor. This includes implementing the ETCS and automating train operations.

Capacity Expansion Projects: Ongoing projects to add new tracks and passing loops.

Integration with TEN-T Network: Strengthening the corridor’s connection to the wider Trans-European Transport Network.

Enduring Transport Solutions: Promoting the use of choice fuels and reducing the environmental impact of rail transport.

Case Study: Duisburg Intermodal Terminal

The duisburg Intermodal Terminal (DIT) serves as a prime example of the Ruhr-Main corridor’s importance. As Europe’s largest inland port,DIT relies heavily on rail connections to distribute goods throughout Europe.