Track closures at Amsterdam Centraal; New tracks in Zuid
The number of train tracks at Amsterdam Centraal will be reduced from the current 15 to 9, and two new train tracks will be built in Amsterdam Zuid, State Secretary Stientje van Veldhoven of Infrastructure announced on Thursday, the Volkskrant reports.
The track reduction at Amsterdam Centraal forms part of major renovations at the station. By reducing the number of tracks, platforms can be widened and the capacity can increase, according to the State Secretary. The number of switches will also be reduced. More trains must thus be able to use the station in less time.
The plan is to move international trains from Amsterdam Centraal to Amsterdam Zuid station. As a result, more space is created at Amsterdam Centraal for sprinters to run more often, or for the possible arrival of a light rail.
Two new tracks will be added to Amsterdam Zuid station, bringing the total number of tracks up to six.
NS CEO previously warned that reducing the number of tracks at Amsterdam Centraal could lead to chaos at the station. He hoped that the Ministry would decide to keep 10 tracks at the station.
Rail manager ProRail supports the Ministry's plan, as its expected costs are 100 million euros lower and it will be completed more quickly, so less inconvenience for travelers, according to the newspaper.
The major renovation at Amsterdam Centraal is scheduled to start in 2021 and will take at least six years.
