While a TGV between Paris and Berlin must be set up in 2024, elected officials from Strasbourg and Karlsruhe are fighting for the train to pass through these two cities.
Will the next TGV Paris-Berlin finally go through Strasbourg and Karlsruhe? This is not what the initial project provides, hence the mobilization of elected officials on both sides of the Rhine. The subject also fuels discussions in the European Parliament, especially among the Germans.
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However, this route is not necessarily obvious. Indeed, just look at a map, a direct line drawn between Paris and Berlin passes much further north than Strasbourg and Karlsruhe. But when it comes to rail, the shortest route is not necessarily the fastest, as Karlsruhe MEP René Repasi explains: “We already have the infrastructure, a connection that works, and which is 30 minutes faster than via Saarbrücken. I only see advantages in going through Strasbourg and Karlsruhe”, he defends.
Strasbourg and Karlsruhe, two symbols
Beyond the logistical questions, there is of course the symbol: if Karlsruhe is the seat of the German Constitutional Court, Strasbourg is still the European capital. Moreover, the mayors of the two cities have many other arguments to put forward. “Strasbourg is the seat of the European Parliament, so this direct line would be a very good opportunity for MEPs and it would strengthen European parliamentarismdefends Frank Mentrup, Oberbürgermeister of Karlsruhe. This line would be faster than the comparable link via Saarbrücken. Our Upper Rhine region is more attractive economically, culturally and at university level. This would therefore also represent more people, more users than going through Lorraine and Saarbrücken.”
In all of this, travelers are very pragmatic. At a time when the German rail network often suffers from work-related incidents and accumulates delays and connection problems, a direct line is an advantage. Especially, if there are a few extra detours or stops.
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For Antoine, a young Parisian met at Karlsruhe station, defends this new route: “On the one hand, Strasbourg is a tourist city. Karlsruhe is the same, with the castle and the German Court”. Lola believes that it is “important to give importance to small towns, which must grow and attract people. I would find it great if the train goes through Strasbourg and Karlsruhe”.
As of now, nothing is settled. Work is still in progress, and there are no further details from SNCF or Deutsche Bahn. We simply know that the Paris-Berlin TGV is scheduled for 2024. At the end of 2023, the Paris-Berlin night train will be launched.