Munich wants the Olympics: Transport Minister calls for modernized infrastructure!

Munich wants the Olympics: Transport Minister calls for modernized infrastructure!

In the fierce race for the Olympic and Paralympic Games between 2036 and 2044, Munich is in top form. According to a report by BR The Bavarian Ministry of Transport stated that the games could bring significant benefits for the city. Transport Minister Christian Bernreiter (CSU) is passionately committed to the Olympic bid and sees it as an excellent opportunity for infrastructural improvements.

The future of Munich could be shaped by significant construction projects. The minister mentions, among other things, the planned extension of the U4, the S-Bahn-Nordring and the modernization of the S-Bahn vehicle fleet. The expansion of cycle paths and the creation of new living space are also on the list of desired measures. There is a 600 hectare area in Munich's northeast that could be used as a new Olympic Village. Under certain conditions, there is even the prospect of government funding for the apartments being built there.

Opponents and supporters in the ring

However, his sporting ambitions are met with resistance. Opponents of the application, such as Green Party politician Ludwig Hartmann, warn of possible downsides. They fear that the games could slow down housing expansion and cause real estate prices and rents to skyrocket. Hartmann is thinking about the areas already earmarked for housing construction, some of which will be used for the Olympic project.

In the political arena, Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD) and Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) are busy convincing citizens of the benefits of the Olympic Games. The Munich city council has already given its approval to the application, and a referendum in October will give Munich residents the opportunity to express their point of view.

The support of the state government

The Bavarian state government strongly supports the application. The goal is clear: Munich should be in the international spotlight as a venue for an outstanding sporting event. A report from Bavarian Ministry of Building also emphasizes that a positive hosting of the Games could bring about long-term changes and improvements in urban development.

Bernreiter compares the planned application with the positive developments that Paris has experienced as a result of the 2024 Olympic Games. There are currently even proposals for innovative forms of transport, such as an “Olympic Lane” for drivers or possibly autonomous vehicles.

The look at the time of the games

The general conditions for applications are more favorable than in the past. The costs for the application are estimated at around 6 to 7 million euros, which means a reduction of a whopping 75 percent compared to the failed attempts at the Winter Games in 2018. Loud South German newspaper Those responsible are working hard on a concept that includes the use of existing sports facilities from 1972.

The planned sports facilities are diverse and are already inspiring many citizens. These include the Olympic Stadium for athletics and the Nymphenburg Palace Park for dressage. Swimming competitions will temporarily take place in Freising, while the canoe competitions will take place in Augsburg. Open water swimming in Lake Starnberg is expected to be particularly spectacular.

On October 26th it will become clear where Munich's Olympic bid is headed. Citizens have the chance to actively participate in the future of their city. It remains to be seen whether enthusiasm prevails or concerns are stronger.