Liège, Belgium – The eagerly anticipated ‘three-country train’ connecting Liège, Maastricht, and Aachen has encountered another delay, pushing its launch date to June 30.
The latest postponement stems from ongoing issues with the resumption of train traffic on the Belgium-Netherlands leg, according to transport company Arriva.
Originally scheduled to commence operations on June 9, the cross-border train service has been in the works to enhance connectivity in the border region encompassing Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.
The disruption comes from the halted train traffic between Wezet (Visé) in Liège and Maastricht in the Netherlands, a consequence of extensive damage caused by the flooding of an adjacent waterway.
Railway network operator Infrabel reported that the service would not be restored until June 16.
The initial expectation was for traffic to resume on May 27, but this was first postponed to June 3 after the extent of the flood damage was found to be more severe than initially assessed.
The damage had impacted the rail network significantly on both sides of the border, necessitating extensive repairs.
Despite the completion of these repairs, Infrabel’s technical teams opted to extend the suspension of traffic to undertake “several larger works” aimed at reinforcing the network.
This strategic decision is intended to enhance the resilience of the affected section, providing better protection against future incidents should the adjacent river levels rise again.
The Dutch authorities have been informed of this revised schedule, ensuring transparency and coordination in handling the cross-border rail operations.
The delay is the latest in a series of setbacks that have beleaguered the ‘three-country train’ project, which has been eagerly awaited by local communities and businesses across the region.
The ‘three-country train’ initiative, managed by Arriva, was initially announced to commence operations in early 2019, connecting Maastricht and Aachen.
However, Belgium was not included in the original launch due to additional conditions imposed by Belgian authorities.
After resolving all regulatory and logistical bottlenecks, it was announced in March that the service would finally extend to Belgium from June, with planned stops in Liège-Guillemins, Bressoux, and Wezet.
The extended delay has tempered the excitement surrounding the project, which is seen as a significant step toward enhancing regional mobility and economic integration.
The service aims to provide a seamless travel experience across the three countries, fostering closer ties and facilitating easier access to cultural, educational, and economic opportunities in the border regions.
Despite the current setback, the long-term benefits of the ‘three-country train’ remain highly anticipated.
Once operational, the train is expected to improve the daily commute for many residents, reduce traffic congestion, and promote sustainable transportation options in the area.
The delay underscores the challenges of cross-border infrastructure projects, particularly those involving multiple jurisdictions and unforeseen natural events.
However, the collaborative efforts between Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany highlight a shared commitment to overcoming these challenges and delivering a service that promises to significantly enhance connectivity and cooperation in the region.
As the new launch date approaches, stakeholders and passengers alike remain hopeful that the ‘three-country train’ will soon become a reality, marking a new chapter in the region’s transportation history.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
