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Deutsche Bahn has awarded the first construction contracts for the general renovation of the Hamburg-Berlin line. Work on the 278-kilometer-long connection, which will be used by around 30,000 travelers every day, is scheduled to begin on August 1, 2025. the railway said in a press release. The route will be closed for nine months.
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The model for this construction project is the Riedbahn between Frankfurt/Main and Mannheim, which has been renovated and modernized since July 15, 2024, with the Hamburg-Berlin route being four times as long. The DB wants to replace a total of more than 180 kilometers of tracks and around 200 switches, among other things. Six additional so-called transfer points will, among other things, enable faster passenger trains to overtake slower freight trains.
Expansion with ECTS
In a first step, the DB wants to equip the most heavily used routes around Hamburg and Berlin, between Hamburg-Rothenburgsort and Büchen and between Nauen and Berlin-Spandau, with the new European train control system ETCS (European Train Control System). The section in between should not follow until 2030/31 in order to avoid double expansion with analog and digital signaling technology.
Part of the general renovation also includes work on a total of 28 train stations in five federal states, which should be completed by the end of 2026. The DB is planning, among other things, new toilet facilities, weather shelters, more accessibility and new wayfinding systems.
Radio masts for future railway radio
The railway line is also to be expanded with seamless mobile communications with gigabit data rates. The DB is also using the general renovation to build radio masts for the future railway radio FRMCS (Future Rail Mobile Communication System). After the renovation, the railway wants to provide the masts and supply containers as well as the power and data lines to mobile phone companies for technology-neutral testing and illumination of the route with mobile communications for passengers.
Travelers have to be prepared for detours: During the work from August 1, 2025 to April 30, 2026, the DB is relying on a concept that has already been used during previous closures in the form of the diversion routes via Stendal and Uelzen with a replacement stop in Salzwedel and an additional change in Hanover deployment was. Depending on the diversion route, the journey time is extended by at least 45 minutes. There will be a replacement bus service for passengers on regional transport and to connect the no longer available long-distance transport stops in Ludwigslust, Wittenberge and Büchen. Freight trains travel on diversion routes.
The general renovation of the Hamburg-Berlin route is part of the structural renovation and modernization of the core network. A total of 40 corridors are to be completely renovated and their condition improved by the end of 2030.
(mki)
What are the expected long-term benefits of the Hamburg-Berlin line renovation for both passengers and the overall rail network in Germany?
As the website editor for world-today-news.com, I would be delighted to conduct an interview with two knowledgeable guests about the recent development of Deutsche Bahn awarding the first construction contracts for the general renovation of the Hamburg-Berlin line.
Guest 1: Dominik Schmidt, a transportation expert with extensive experience in rail infrastructure projects.
Guest 2: Claudia Nagel, a journalist specializing in transportation and infrastructure news.
Website Editor: To start off, could you both give us a brief insight into the significance of this renovation project for the Hamburg-Berlin line?
Guest 1: Sure, the Hamburg-Berlin line is one of the most heavily traveled routes in Germany, with over 30,000 passengers using it daily. The general renovation project is a crucial step towards ensuring that the route remains efficient, reliable, and safe for all passengers. The work involves replacing tracks, switches, and installing a new European train control system, among other things.
Guest 2: Absolutely, this project aims to modernize a key connection between two of Germany’s major cities, making it more attractive for commuters and tourists alike. It’s also part of a larger plan by Deutsche Bahn to improve its core network by the end of 2030. The fact that they’re investing in such a long-distance, heavily used route shows their commitment to providing better services for their customers.
Website Editor: Moving on to the closure of the route for nine months starting August 1, 2025. What challenges do you see ahead for both passengers and railway staff during this time?
Guest 1: Passengers will have to endure longer travel times and detours due to the route closure. There could also be additional delays and disruptions caused by ongoing construction work. Meanwhile, railway staff will need to manage the diversion of both passenger and freight trains, ensuring that the project stays on schedule while maintaining safety standards.
Guest 2: As Dominik mentioned, passengers will face inconveniences during the closure. The alternative routes through Stendal and Uelzen might not be as comfortable or convenient as the direct line. Additionally, the fact that mobile phone signal coverage will be limited due to the closure
