Federal bodies and Railroad Administrations concur on prioritizing infrastructure restoration for key transportation routes - Federal government and railway authorities finalize the sequence for corridor modernization project
The European Commission has set a new sequence for the modernisation of railway corridors, extending from 2028 to 2036. This ambitious plan aims to revitalise several key rail lines across Germany, transforming the country's high-performance network.
In the coming year, general renovations are planned for the Hagen-Wuppertal-Koeln, Nuernberg-Regensburg, Obertraubling-Passau, and Troisdorf-Unkel/Unkel-Wiesbaden corridors. The modernisation of the Nuernberg-Wurzburg rail line is scheduled for 2032, followed by the modernisation of the rail line between Bebra and Erfurt in the same year.
Looking further ahead, the modernisation of the rail line between Kassel and Friedberg is planned for 2034, while the rail line between Minden and Wunstorf will undergo modernisation in 2035. The modernisation of the rail line between Bremen/Rotenburg and Wunstorf is scheduled for 2034, and the rail line between Bremen and Osnabrück will be modernised in 2033. The rail line between Weddel and Magdeburg will also be modernised in 2032.
The modernisation of the rail line between Hamm and Düsseldorf-Koeln is planned for 2033, and the Flensburg-Hamburg line modernisation is set for 2036. The modernisation of the rail line between Bebra and Fulda will also take place in 2032, and the Flensburg-Hamburg line modernisation is scheduled for 2036.
During construction work, sections will be closed for around half a year. This extensive modernisation project will continue until the 2030s, with a total of 42 rail corridors in the high-performance network undergoing modernisation.
Originally, up to nine modernisations per year were planned, but this faced opposition from competitors in freight transport. As a result, the pace of modernisation has been adjusted to ensure a balanced approach that considers the needs of all stakeholders.
This comprehensive modernisation plan is set to revolutionise Germany's railway system, making travel more efficient and comfortable for passengers and improving the overall performance of the network. After construction, each section will remain free of construction for at least five years, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted service for travellers.
