Saxony-Anhalt plans reactivation of Bitterfeld–Stumsdorf Saftbahn

A feasibility study commissioned by NASA GmbH concludes that reactivating and electrifying the line, closed to passenger service since 2002, can make economic sense (benefit-cost ratio of 1.14, only if the S2 is extended from Leipzig to Köthen); costs are put at about EUR 130 million, 90% of which would qualify for GVFG funding. New stations are envisaged at Chemiepark Bitterfeld, Sandersdorf, Großzöberitz and Zörbig, linking some 31,000 people to the S-Bahn network. After a line inspection on 18 June 2026, trains are regarded as realistic in about ten years at the earliest. The date is a placeholder: it rests on that ten-year estimate from June 2026 (LOK Report, 22 Jun 2026).