The Lelylijn has officially been added to the European TEN-T Core Network, paving the way for its construction as a key rail link between Groningen and the Randstad metropolitan region. The European Parliament voted in favor of the inclusion yesterday, setting a deadline for completion by 2050.
The European Parliament’s vote marks a culmination of efforts by the Northern Netherlands Cooperation Alliance (SNN), which has long championed the Lelylijn project. The SNN sees the railway as a transformative force, strengthening the north’s role as a key gateway between Western and Northern Europe. Discussions about a high-speed rail connection between the north and Randstad can be traced back to the 1960s. Several studies and proposals followed, with the Lelylijn emerging as a frontrunner in the early 21st century.
Advocating for high-speed status: The SNN’s push for priority and funding
While the SNN welcomes the Lelylijn’s inclusion in the TEN-T network, it further advocates for its classification as a high-speed rail line. This designation would elevate the project’s priority and secure additional funding.
The EU’s decision comes amidst concerns regarding the Dutch government’s recent reallocation of €50 million previously earmarked for the Lelylijn. The funds were diverted to address bottlenecks on the Zwolle-Meppel rail line, a crucial artery for northern rail traffic.
Provinces and municipalities in the Northern Netherlands voiced their disapproval of the funding shift, highlighting the importance of long-term infrastructure investments in the region. They emphasized that while the Zwolle-Meppel project deserves attention, it should not come at the expense of the Lelylijn.
Beyond the Lelylijn: A network of rail projects takes shape
Despite the funding setback, the European Parliament’s approval reinforces the Netherlands’ commitment to realizing the Lelylijn, alongside other TEN-T rail projects such as the Nedersaksenlijn between Groningen and Enschede and the Groningen-Leeuwarden rail link.
With the EU’s endorsement and the 2050 deadline in sight, the Lelylijn project enters a critical phase. Continued collaboration between the Dutch government, regional authorities, and the European Union will be essential to navigate funding challenges and ensure the timely completion of this infrastructure project.
