A comprehensive program of track upgrades is planned across Germany’s rail network, impacting both major trunk routes and regional lines. According to information revealed in a presentation by DB Infrago, the rail network subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn (DB), substantial portions of the system are slated for extensive renovations beginning in 2028 and 2029.
The presentation, shared with the rail industry a month ago, outlines plans that will necessitate lengthy closures of numerous regional lines, potentially lasting weeks or even months. Network maps within the document highlight these areas requiring refurbishment, with numerous routes marked in red to indicate “total closures.
Passengers should anticipate disrupted service and increased reliance on replacement bus services during these periods. DB states that the aging and deteriorated condition of the rail infrastructure necessitates more drastic measures than incremental repairs would allow.
While DB Infrago confirmed that not all identified areas will require complete, lengthy shutdowns, citing the early stage of planning and room for adjustments, they acknowledge that the scope of the upgrades is considerable. They emphasized ongoing consultation with train operators and affected stakeholders to refine the program and explore potential compromises. This includes the possibility of maintaining some level of limited service even during announced closures.
The strategic shift towards large-scale track closures for repairs was initially implemented last year with the Frankfurt-Mannheim route. Currently, the main line connecting Berlin and Hamburg is undergoing similar renovations, a process expected to be applied to a total of 41 major routes by the mid-2020s. The principles now being extended to regional networks nationwide.
The decision to expand this approach reflects the poor condition widely observed in the secondary rail network. DB argues that phased, incremental repairs would be excessively protracted and lead to ongoing, piecemeal disruptions. They maintain that a concentrated program of comprehensive renovations offers a more effective solution.
Furthermore, DB highlights the benefit of “bundling construction work into containers” aiming to minimize overall disruption through defined construction phases followed by periods of uninterrupted service. This approach is intended to improve predictability for passengers, stabilize timetables and enhance overall system stability.