Current situation: journey time of approx. 2 hours with 1 change
On this route, travellers from both countries use the train. It links the innovative top technology region Eindhoven, the rapidly developing Greenport Venlo, Zuyd University and the Düsseldorf metropolis in the Rhine-Ruhr region. The complete journey takes about 2 hours and involves a change in Venlo to a regional service to Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof.
Desired situation: a faster through train connection without having to change
EurekaRail is holding consultations about this with the relevant authorities and rail managers in Germany and the Netherlands. Two alternatives are being investigated for this route, with long-term plans being based on integrating the RE13 regional service at Mönchengladbach and the intercity to Eindhoven and the local service to Venlo. The time saved between Eindhoven and Düsseldorf would be about 15 to 20 minutes.
These alternatives are based on an hourly service in both directions.
Actions required
In the Netherlands
- A turning possibility must be provided for the train in the Eindhoven region.
In Germany
- Doubling of tracks between Dülken en Kaldenkirchen.
- A passing track between Viersen and Helenabrunn, platform extension at Mönchengladbach Hbf and changes to the safety systems and signals.
Preferred alternative
The preferred alternative – with a reduction of approx. 20 minutes in travelling time – is possible if the tracks are doubled between Dülken and Kaldenkirchen and additional measures are taken at Mönchengladbach. These measures will be included in the German Federal Transport Infrastructure Plan. This is an important instrument for infrastructure planning in the next 10 to 15 years. In connection with the eventual expiry of concessions in both the Netherlands and Germany, a decision will be taken this year regarding progress.