[DE / PL] DB commissions the modernized Knappenrode – Horka cross-border line

This Monday a special ceremony was held to celebrate the opening of the modernized 55-kilometer route between Knappenrode, Horka and the German-Polish border. A special DB Regio demonstration train inaugurated the upgraded track. It featured PKP Cargo EU64-514 and DB 112 148 on both ends.

We thank Łukasz Welter Photography for sharing their images. Check out their Facebook page for more beautiful impressions from Poland.

The modernisation of the line Knappenrode > Horka > Polish border (> Węgliniec) is now complete. To celebrate the event, Deutsche Bahn organised a special train. It was greeted with fireworks on the official ceremony in Niesky station:

Author: DB AG/Oliver Lang

The DB Regio “Sonderzug” was coupled with a DB Class 112 electric, which is a standard sight in Germany:

The DB Regio train with 112 148 in the back Author: Łukasz Welter Photography

But on the other end of the train there was also a Polish PKP Cargo Vectron. This is how the special train made its way to Poland:

PKP Cargo 193 514 heading the special train Author: Łukasz Welter Photography

According to PKP Cargo, their Vectron EU46-514 (193 514) was chosen to drive the special service across the border, as it is equipped to travel on both Polish and German networks. This was the scene in the Polish border station of Węgliniec:

112 148 seen in Węgliniec, Poland Author: Łukasz_ Welter Photography

The track modernization, which includes both electrification and line doubling, will facilitate a substantial increase in cross-border freight traffic (up to 170 trains per day is possible). Deutsche Bahn will also introduce regular regional passenger services, starting from the timetable change on 09.12.2018 – connecting the cities of Hoyerswerda and Görlitz every two hours.

Author: DB AG

Co-financed by the European Union, the EUR 500 million project marks a further step in the policy of increasing both freight and passenger traffic between Eastern and Western Europe.

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