Stuttgart 21
Stuttgart 21
Stuttgart 21 is a railway and urban development project in Stuttgart, Germany. It is a part of the Stuttgart–Augsburg new and upgraded railway and the Magistrale for Europe (Paris—Vienna) in the framework of the Trans-European Networks. Its core is a renewed Stuttgart Central Station, including some 30 km tunnels and 25 km of high-speed lines. The project was officially announced in April 1994. The opponents argue the project is overambitious and over-priced having as well raised concerns with regard to geological risks and damage to natural and cultural heritage such as mineral springs, old trees located in a park and the building of the old station. In 2011, a referendum was held to decide whether the state of Baden-Württemberg should cease funding the project. 58.8 percent of the votes cast were in favour of the project. Those two facts have led to high frustration among the opponents. However, they continue to oppose the project by organizing blockades, occupations and demonstrations.