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Netherlands wants up to 30 new train stations in major upgrade

Dutch rail operator ProRail has announced plans to invest €3.5bn on upgrading its network over the next 10 years, including the building of between 20 and 30 new stations.

The company, a subsidiary of rail infrastructure owner NS Railinfratrust, says the investment will come from national and local government as well as the train operating companies.

It said in a press statement: "Stations that will be expanded or opened in the short term are Maastricht-Noord and Lansingerland-Zoetermeer [pictured]. For all other places, discussions are taking place with local and regional authorities."

The Dutch rail network is the busiest in Europe, and is expected to experience a 30% to 40% increase in passengers between now and 2030.

Pier Eringa, the chief executive of ProRail, told the Telegraf newspaper that there was a particular need for improvements to the Netherlands’ 402 stations. As well as faster and more frequent trains. The plan envisages an investment of €30m for regional stops to provide longer platforms, improved accessibility and better facilities, such as waiting rooms and toilets.

Other improvements will be platform tiles that light up to indicate boarding spots, places to charge electric bikes and cars, and an app for reserving bicycle parking spots.

Image: Lansingerland-Zoetermeer rail station (Erikt/CC BY-SA 4.0)

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