At the beginning of 2025, the Nahverkehrsservice Sachsen-Anhalt (NASA) commissioned PTV, in collaboration with TTK, to carry out a feasibility and potential study for the reactivation of the line from Stumsdorf to Bitterfeld via Zörbig, also known as the ‘Saftbahn’ or "sugar sirop railway". A popular nickname inherited from the sugar refinery that once operated from Zörbig.
As part of a project meeting on 21 March 2025, an on-site inspection and driving tour of the track was also carried out, accompanied by representatives of NASA and the railway companies concerned (DB InfraGO, Regiobahn Bitterfeld Berlin and Zörbiger Infrastrukturgesellschaft mbH).
During the track inspection of the section between Bitterfeld and the Verbio junction, which is still used for freight transport, the project participants were able to experience the structural condition of the line and the challenges relevant to a potential reactivation ‘up close’ from a Vectron dual-mode locomotive.
The study develops and evaluates various lines, operating and vehicle concepts (electric, battery-electric) for the reactivation of passenger transport, comparing costs and benefits.