North Rhine-Westphalia’s Transport Minister Oliver Krischer is advocating for the federal government to allocate funds from its substantial €500 billion infrastructure package to support the region’s waterways. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” Krischer highlighted the urgent need for modernization projects, citing the age of existing infrastructure.
He pointed to the presence of antiquated canal locks, some dating back to a period when Germany was ruled by an emperor and the need to raise several bridges to accommodate contemporary shipping traffic. Underlining the federal government’s responsibility for inland waterways, Krischer urged them to prioritize these necessary improvements.
According to projections within North Rhine-Westphalia, approximately €1.7 billion in investment will be needed for waterways over the next six years. Krischer expressed concern that inland waterways have been overlooked within the scope of the special-purpose asset of €500 billion. He emphasized that while investment in roadways and railways is vital, the potential of inland shipping should not be ignored.