The subject is not new, but “seems to be progressing”. The planned modernisation of the railway line between the two capitals is important to both Belgium and Luxembourg. The ambition is to reduce the travel time from three to two hours by 2024, says Alexander De Croo, the Belgian Prime Minister.
But the project seems so elusive it has been called “Loch Ness Monster” by Xavier Bettel, who has called the region a “Bermuda Triangle” of rapid transport. “It is a pity that to travel from Strasbourg to Brussels it is faster to go via Paris than through here, the three European capitals.”
To convince travellers to switch their modes of transport, you have to offer reliability and simplicity, he says. “We can see it: when there is a fast and comfortable alternative to travel to Paris, they take the TGV and leave the car at home. If tomorrow we have faster trains to Brussels...”
The Luxembourgish and Belgian ministers for trainsport seem to be in agreement on the question.
But the project is waiting for progress on financing, “in the context of the new European instruments, the green pact and the national recovery plans.” “Our transport ministers also tell us they are awaiting news from the European Commission, of course,” adds Xavier Bettel.
According to him, the two Ministers for Transport are hoping to announce progress in this area in a few months. In addition to the shorter travel time, the rail line is expected to be part of those earmarked for 5G coverage.
