Deutsche Bahn (DB) is continuing to push ahead with the renewal and modernisation of the rail network. To ensure that everyone involved can prepare for the construction projects in good time, DB InfraGO AG regularly provides information in construction and information dialogues.
DB InfraGO and representatives of the railway companies, politicians and associations began the dialogue on the planned projects for 2027. This marks the beginning of the consultation phase, during which railway companies can comment on the construction-related capacity restrictions in the rail network.
In coordination with the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV), DB has also specified its plans for the upcoming general renovations for 2027. Despite the difficult budget situation, the federal government has provided the necessary funds to completely renew and modernize further corridors in the coming years. During the planning phase for the respective sections of the route, discussions with the railway companies concerned revealed requests for adjustments to the originally planned schedule.
DB InfraGO plans for 2027
Specifically, the following adjustments are planned for the general renovations planned for 2027:
- Fulda – Hanau
The so-called Kinzigtalbahn will also be included in the plans for 2027. This will enable bundled measures to be implemented for the years 2024 to 2027. The renovation of the 81 km long route between Fulda and Hanau will have similarly strong effects and traffic impacts on passenger and freight transport as the Riedbahn Frankfurt/Main – Mannheim, which is currently under construction. With 160 percent utilization, the route is one of the busiest in the network; many systems are outdated and prone to failure.
- Hamm – Dortmund – Cologne
As a result of the early upgrading of the Kinzigtalbahn, the general renovation of the Cologne – Dortmund – Hamm corridor will not take place in 2027. It is not possible to renovate both routes in parallel because diversion routes are required during the closure period. The new schedule will not have a negative impact on the expansion measures of the “Rhine-Ruhr Express” (RRX). The work will continue as planned and will start on further construction phases next year.
- Munich – Rosenheim and Rosenheim – Salzburg
At the suggestion of the ÖBB and the Italian RFI, it was proposed that construction work on the corridor section between Rosenheim and Salzburg be brought forward to the first half of 2027 and that the north-south route from Munich to Rosenheim be renovated in 2028. The background to this is that extensive construction work will take place on the Brenner motorway in 2027, which is why the rail capacity for freight and passenger transport will be fully needed.
To improve the quality and punctuality of train services, DB will completely renew and modernize the infrastructure and stations on a total of 41 corridors over the next few years. Once the general renovations are completed, passengers and freight transport companies will benefit from noticeable improvements, an efficient infrastructure and more attractive stations on the currently heavily used sections of the route. The consistent replacement of old technology will significantly reduce the number of infrastructure-related disruptions.
The Riedbahn between Frankfurt/Main and Mannheim is a pilot project for the general renovation of heavily used sections of track. Since July 15, DB has been renewing and modernizing tracks, switches, signals and replacing the overhead wire. All work is to be completed by the timetable change on December 14.
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