FRANCE's minister for ecology, sustainable development, transport and housing Mrs Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, French National Railways (SNCF) president Mr Guillaume Pepy, and Mr Hubert du Mesnil, president of French Rail Network (RFF) today officially inaugurated two new stations on the 140km Rhine-Rhône high-speed line, ahead of the launch of commercial services over the route on Sunday.
FRANCE's minister for ecology, sustainable development, transport and housing Mrs Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, French National Railways (SNCF) president Mr Guillaume Pepy, and Mr Hubert du Mesnil, president of French Rail Network (RFF) today officially inaugurated two new stations on the 140km Rhine-Rhône high-speed line, ahead of the launch of commercial services over the route on Sunday.
The stations at Belfort Montbéliard (pictured) and Besançon Franche-Comté in 2009 cost a total of Euros 25m to build. In order to provide a rail link between Franche-Comté and Viotte station in Besançon city centre, the existing conventional line has been upgraded and electrified, and will be used by 30 shuttle services per day.
Companies involved in constructing the line have sponsored art installations at the two stations, which will be on display for one year and aim to reflect the culture and landscape of the region.
