Introductory, Highlighting Key Points:

The federal government and Deutsche Bahn's (DB) push for modernizing and expanding railway capacities has sparked a contentious debate, with local interests expressing concerns about the alignment of these plans with their needs.

Recent developments have seen the railway deciding to continue with a new track via Bergen, despite previous agreements. This decision, which may set a precedent for the Federal Republic's transport policy, has been met with opposition from local interests, including the Lower Saxony state government.

Last year, Volker Wissing, the Minister of Transport, decided that no new construction was an option for a specified railway line. However, the current debate underscores the importance of balancing national and local interests in the development of transportation infrastructure.

Frank Limprecht, head of infrastructure projects, regional area north, DB InfraGO, emphasized that the new construction is the only option that meets all legal requirements. Local needs are expected to be a significant consideration in discussions regarding railway line modernization and capacity creation in the coming years.

The Lower Saxony state government, led by Grant Hendrik Tonne (SPD), argues that the new construction brings nothing to the people in the area. The district of Harburg has accused the railway of arrogance in its approach.

The final say on the matter will now be up to the Bundestag. The outcome of this debate may serve as a guide for future decisions regarding railway line modernization and capacity creation.

In the Federal Republic of Germany, the decision about the construction of a new railway line, such as one via Bergen, is typically made by the federal government in cooperation with DB and requires approvals through various planning and environmental assessments. Local and regional authorities, as well as public consultations, also play significant roles in the process.

The current debate indicates potential conflicts between national and local interests in the realm of railway development. The federal government's and DB's stance on modernization and capacity creation may have far-reaching implications for the transport policy of the Federal Republic.