Rail summit in Jena: Clear message to Deutsche Bahn and the federal government

Under the patronage of the Thuringian Minister President Prof. Dr. Mario Voigt, a high-level rail summit on the future of long-distance transport in Eastern Thuringia took place in Jena on Thursday, 26.06.2025. The occasion was the announcement of Deutsche Bahn's (DB) plans to cut the IC 51 and IC 61 intercity lines, which would mean an almost complete discontinuation of the service.

In addition to representatives from Deutsche Bahn Fernverkehr AG and the Federal Ministry of Transport, the summit was also attended by members of the federal and state parliaments, numerous mayors and representatives from business and science from Thuringia, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt.

Unambiguous political demand for preservation

Minister President Mario Voigt emphasized during the summit: "Jena is a central economic and scientific beacon with international appeal in eastern Germany. Anyone who wants to actively shape the future of this location rather than jeopardize it must ensure attractive long-distance transport links to the city of light. It is clear to us that the eastern heart of Germany's Green Heart must not be cut off." According to Voigt, the following applies to long-distance transport: "It is not demand that determines supply, but vice versa. Where attractive and clearly visible connections exist, people will use them - as numerous examples throughout Germany show." This is another reason why the Thuringian state government sees an enormous opportunity in an attractive long-distance service for Jena. "A strong, functioning IC hub in Jena is not an individual interest, but a driving force for the whole of Eastern Thuringia. The expansion and electrification of the MDV is another essential step in setting the course. After all, attractive rail connections not only strengthen mobility. They are an expression of equal living conditions and, not least, an engine of economic dynamism in the region."

State Secretary Christian Hirte (Federal Ministry of Transport) also emphasized the importance of the connections in a video message and expressed the specific wish that DB should ensure a two-hourly interval in the intercity network for the region.

Jena's Lord Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche thanked the participants for a constructive exchange. "We will continue to pursue encouraging approaches as partners. The rail summit has sensitized the railroads and the federal government to the fact that there is potential for long-distance passenger transport here in Jena and the region. Together with the neighboring towns along the two lines, we want to promote these and make it clear to the railroad that Jena and the region need a connection to long-distance transport."

Business and science call for reliable direct connections

The demand for strong long-distance connections also received broad support from the regional business and scientific communities. Several people questioned whether Deutsche Bahn is currently providing the right service for the region's needs. The need for transfer-free, reliable connections to Leipzig, Berlin and Frankfurt and their airports was particularly emphasized - both for commuters and for business travelers, international specialists and scientists.

DB assures limited continued operation of Line 61

Deutsche Bahn has agreed not to discontinue the operation of IC Line 61 (Saalbahn) despite the sharp rise in track and energy prices and the current low capacity utilization, but to continue it to a limited extent. The aim is to achieve a viable new operating model. Minister President Voigt announced talks with his counterparts from Bavaria, Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony in order to find solutions together with DB and the federal government.

Prospects for Line 51 after electrification

With regard to IC Line 51, DB stated that it intends to offer long-distance services on the Central Germany Line (MDV) again once the electrification work has been completed. An extension to Chemnitz is planned.

Clear criticism of current operating quality

Several participants sharply criticized the current operating quality of the IC lines: frequent cancellations, sometimes at short notice or lasting weeks, delays and missed connections considerably limited the benefits. The lack of fare integration and poor visibility in DB's information systems were also criticized. The neighboring municipalities signaled their willingness to help increase awareness of the service.

Basic problem: lack of framework conditions from the federal government

The summit made it clear that economically viable long-distance transport is no longer possible in the area without an adjustment to the federal political framework. According to the German constitution, the federal government is responsible for ensuring long-distance transport as a whole. If this does not happen, there is a risk of long-distance transport gradually withdrawing from the regions - with obvious negative consequences for the economy and society.