The Rosenheim district office has approved the controversial modernization of the Kampenwandbahn in Aschau. As the authority reported on Friday, several environmental organizations were also involved in the process. “After extensive and intensive examination, the Rosenheim District Office has come to the conclusion that the planned project meets all legal requirements from the point of view of environmental compatibility.”
The mountain railway from the 1950s, which is known for its colorful red and yellow cabins, is to be “moderately renewed” according to the operating company. The cabins will have eight seats in the future – twice as many as before. In addition, the train should be barrier-free. The company expects that the railway will have to close for eleven months for the conversion. The mountain and valley stations are to be rebuilt during this time.
Opponents of the project had demonstrated against the project in the past. They fear that even more tourists will pollute nature in the Alps after the renovation. In addition, valuable protection forest must be cleared for the new building. However, the district authority emphasizes that such environmental impairments could be compensated for by compensatory measures as part of the project implementation. The approval notice therefore also contains conditions and ancillary provisions.