A contentious battle over the potential underground tram tunnel in Munich's English Garden
- Exploration of Subterranean Transportation System in English Garden Park
Let's delve into the ongoing squabble concerning a proposed tram line in the heart of Munich: The ruling coalition partners, CSU and Free Voters, in the state parliament wish to carry out a feasibility study on a tunnel solution. This proposed tunnel could house the tram tracks along with the section of the Middle Ring that traverses through the garden.
The Greens - Rosa List city council faction in Munich sees this as nothing more than a time-wasting diversion. After all, design plans for an above-ground tram line already exist, but the state government's veto blocked the construction. As the owner of the English Garden, the Free State, has the ultimate say in matters, leading to years of heated argument.
In 2017, the cabinet opted to resume planning after then-Minister President Horst Seehofer (CSU) changed his stance and ended up backing the project, albeit with resistance from CSU and Free Voters in the city council. In March of last year, State Chancellery Chief Florian Herrmann (CSU) unexpectedly revoked the cabinet's approval, leaving Munich's Lord Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD) disgruntled.
"Better money spent elsewhere!"
With their hard-headed approach, the Southern government is blocking one of Munich's crucial tram projects, claims Green city councilor Florian Schoenemann. "Instead, they present a complex and pricey illusion with the tunnel, where passengers must navigate a maze, several streets are dug up, traffic jams are instigated, and 900 trees meet their demise." In his opinion, "The funds for this feasibility study could be allocated more efficiently!"
The ruling factions recently requested an extra 140,000 euros for the feasibility study in the proposed 2025 supplementary budget. The English Garden, one of the world's largest inner-city parks, plays an essential role in connecting the natural Isar river landscape with Munich's old town. As a garden monument of European rank, it warrants significant protection.
Amendment Request
- Minister President Seehofer (CSU), in his reconsideration, backed the proposal for a tunnel-based tram line in Munich's English Garden, a move now deemed by Green city councilor Florian Schoenemann as a means to complicate matters, dubbed as a "vocational training" for crafting intricate and expensive illusions.
- In 2025, the CSU and Free Voters, the ruling coalition partners in the state parliament, have requested an additional 140,000 euros in the proposed supplementary budget for a feasibility study regarding the vocational training (tunnel) solution for the tram line, sparking concerns among those who believe the funds could be better utilized elsewhere.
- Amid the contentious debate over the proposed underground tram tunnel in Munich's English Garden, Greens city councilor Florian Schoenemann argued that "the community policy (tunnel) is merely a smokescreen", diverting attention and resources from an above-ground tram line, which already has design plans and was prepared for construction before being vetoed by the state government.
