Title: Deutsche Bahn Announces Line Closures for Extensive Network Renovation
Date: June 19, 2023
By: Christophe BOURDOISEAU
Germany’s national railway company, Deutsche Bahn (DB), has unveiled an ambitious plan to address the deteriorating state of its rail network. In a bid to restore punctuality and improve overall quality, DB will embark on a radical program of renovations that involves temporary line closures. This decision comes as a response to the accumulated backlog of investment and underinvestment in recent years, which has severely impacted the company’s ability to maintain timely operations.
According to Karl-Peter Naumann, the spokesperson for the association of train users “per track,” DB’s trains have been struggling to arrive on time due to the lack of necessary investments. The initial plan to go public, which would have provided additional funding, was ultimately abandoned. Recognizing the urgent need for a new renovation concept, Berthold Huber, the director of infrastructures, emphasized the importance of enhancing quality, punctuality, and reliability across the network.
Unlike previous approaches that involved successive construction sites, DB’s new strategy entails complete closures of specific sections for a period of five months. This comprehensive approach will allow for top-to-bottom renovations, including sleepers, ballast, tracks, switches, signals, switch posts, and stations. The effectiveness of this method has already been tested twice, with temporary complete closures proving to be significantly more efficient, as stated by Karl-Peter Naumann.
The extensive renovation plan aims to revitalize 40 sections spanning a total length of 4,200 kilometers by 2030. The first phase of work will commence next year on the “Riedbahn” between Frankfurt am Main and Mannheim, one of Germany’s busiest rail connections. The closure of this section is scheduled after the conclusion of the European Football Championship, which Germany will host in the summer. Subsequent sections, including Hamburg-Berlin and Emmerich-Oberhausen, will undergo renovation in 2025, followed by Cologne-Hagen, Hamburg-Hanover, Nuremberg-Regensburg, Cologne-Dortmund-Hamm in 2027, Würzburg-Nuremberg in 2028, Stuttgart-Ulm in 2029, and Osnabrück-Münster in 2030.
To ensure the success of the renovation program, DB will need to organize replacement services by bus. However, this poses an additional challenge as the sector is currently facing a shortage of vehicles and drivers. Karl-Peter Naumann, the spokesperson for the association of train users Pro Bahn, emphasizes that the program’s effectiveness will depend not only on the construction sites but also on the smooth functioning of train detours and bus services.
DB’s commitment to revitalizing its rail network through extensive renovations and temporary line closures demonstrates its dedication to improving the overall travel experience for passengers. By addressing the backlog of investment and implementing a comprehensive renovation plan, DB aims to restore punctuality, reliability, and quality to its main line trains, ultimately benefiting both domestic and international travelers.
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L allow for more efficient and effective renovation work to be carried out, reducing the overall timeframe required for completion. DB has identified several key sections in need of immediate attention, including major hubs and high-traffic routes.
The line closures will undoubtedly cause inconvenience for commuters and travelers, but DB assures that alternative transportation options will be provided during this period. Bus services and additional train routes will be implemented to minimize disruptions and ensure that passengers can still reach their destinations. DB is also working closely with local authorities and transport agencies to coordinate efforts and provide the necessary support.
The extensive network renovation is expected to address various issues, including outdated infrastructure, electrical failures, and aging tracks. The aim is to create a more reliable and modern rail network that can support increasing demand and provide a better travel experience for passengers. DB also plans to invest in technology upgrades, such as improved signaling systems and digital connectivity, to further enhance efficiency and safety.
The decision to implement complete line closures is a bold move by DB, but one that highlights their commitment to making significant improvements to the rail network. By taking this approach, DB aims to minimize the disruptions caused by prolonged construction works and deliver a more reliable and efficient service in the long run.
While the line closures may be inconvenient in the short term, the extensive network renovation is a necessary step towards ensuring the future viability of Germany’s railway system. DB is confident that these efforts will restore punctuality, improve overall quality, and meet the growing demands of passengers.
