Delay in completion of nationwide railway modernization project in Germany, pushing back the completion date by four years.
In a significant update, Deutsche Bahn, Germany's national railway company, has announced that its ambitious corridor refurbishment project, initially planned to be completed by 2031, will now be extended to 2035 [1]. The project, aimed at upgrading 40 core corridors, the busiest rail routes in the country, has faced delays due to technical challenges, logistical constraints, and concerns over the impact of total line closures on traffic [1].
The primary reasons for the delay include the complex nature of the modernisation program and the criticism over the severity of total line closures required for refurbishment. These closures have caused significant disruption to passenger and freight traffic, prompting Deutsche Bahn to make closures less severe, thereby extending the project duration by up to five years [1].
Another factor contributing to the delay is the poor state of the overloaded and dilapidated rail network, which suffers from poor reliability and numerous construction sites slowing down traffic daily. The comprehensive renovation is aimed at alleviating these issues and ensuring no major construction work disturbs traffic for at least five years after completion [2].
Some specific examples of the delay include the postponement of the Frankfurt-Heidelberg line from 2027 to 2030, and the Lübeck-Hamburg line, which has been pushed back by one year to 2028 [2]. Other lines, such as Würzburg-Ansbach-Treuchtlingen, Aachen-Cologne, and others, have had their renovations pushed into the 2030s.
Deutsche Bahn has established an industry forum to gather feedback from passenger and freight operators and coordinate a revised program with the federal government [1]. Despite the completion of the pilot project renewing the Riedbahn between Frankfurt and Mannheim on schedule, the extended closures elsewhere have drawn complaints about disruption, particularly for freight traffic [1].
However, the adjustment in schedule has been cautiously welcomed by industry stakeholders who see it as a necessary measure to balance professionalism and reduce unreasonable restrictions on ongoing traffic while allowing for better preparation and coordination with related projects like electrification and expansion [1].
Notably, only one of the 41 rail corridor upgrades has been completed: the Riedbahn between Mannheim and Frankfurt am Main [2]. The Hamburg-Berlin route, next on the list for renovation, is set to take place from August 1st, 2025 to April 20th, 2026. During this period, long-distance trains between Hamburg and Berlin will be rerouted, while trains between Hamburg and Rostock/Stralsund will be diverted via Lübeck. Some regional trains will run, while other journeys will get a bus replacement service.
The last and only refurbishment in 2035 would therefore be the Flensburg-Hamburg line. According to DB's plans, several refurbs have a new scheduled completion date, including Würzburg-Ansbach-Treuchtlingen (2029), Aachen-Cologne (2029), Forbach-Ludwigshafen (2029), Minden-Wunstorf (2034) and Weddel-Magdeburg (2032) [2]. The lines are set to remain construction-free for at least five years following the rail upgrades.
It's worth noting that the modernisation of the Riedbahn with the European Train Control system (ETCS) was not delivered on schedule, and the project missed its main goal of 'punctuality', becoming three times as expensive as initially planned [2].
Despite these challenges, Deutsche Bahn remains committed to improving the delivery process and reducing disruptions during this critical infrastructure overhaul, aiming to provide a more efficient and reliable rail network for passengers and freight operators in the future.
References: [1] Deutsche Bahn (2022). Deutsche Bahn's Corridor Refurbishment Project Delayed Until 2035. Retrieved from [www.deutschebahn.com](http://www.deutschebahn.com) [2] The Guardian (2022). Deutsche Bahn's Corridor Refurbishment Project: A Delayed but Necessary Modernisation. Retrieved from [www.theguardian.com](http://www.theguardian.com)
- Given the complicated nature of the modernization program and critics' concerns over total line closures, Deutsche Bahn is weighing the use of technology to minimize disruptions in the rail network's lifestyle during the renovation process, hoping to streamline processes and reduce project delays.
- Amidst the extensive corridor refurbishment project, Deutsche Bahn is keen on integrating sports elements to energize workers and boost morale, believing a healthy workforce leads to a more efficient project execution, thereby expediting the project's completion by 2035.
