Odenwaldbahn: Two-track between Seligenstadt and Hainburg

Odenwaldbahn

The Odenwaldbahn leads 88 kilometers from Eberbach (Neckar) in the southern Odenwald to Hanau.

In Wiebelsbach , a district of Groß-Umstadt, a second branch, 32 kilometers long, branches off to Darmstadt.

The distance was extensively modernized in spring 2006, but still runs almost entirely on a single track.

The passenger numbers have increased by 50 percent since 2006. An average of around 15,000 passengers currently use the trains every day. ann

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“In the feasibility study, only a few real-time projects are defined,” complains Gerheim. Above all, it is about additional trains on weekends so that gaps in the intervals can be closed, and five additional vehicles that should be available by 2022. In the medium term, an extension of the platforms from 120 to 170 meters is planned in order to be able to connect a third wagon at peak times. In addition, they want to rely on new drive technologies by 2027; diesel trains are currently still running. “All other points have been postponed.”

The two-track expansion between Seligenstadt and Hainburg could avoid many delays and quickly lead to relief. “Unfortunately there is no declaration of intent in the feasibility study for a quick implementation,” says Gerheim. In addition to the siding, it can be checked whether the line can be designed for higher speeds. That means shorter travel times and the overall timing would improve significantly. The goal is a full-day half-hourly service between Babenhausen and Hanau; the regional train currently runs every hour.

The signals could also be adapted, which would result in shorter barrier closing times. In the long term, the planned north Main S-Bahn route from Frankfurt via Hanau to Babenhausen could be extended.

Gerheim, Simon and Böhn are on the supervisory board of the Offenbach roundabout company (KVG) and have applied for an in-depth examination of the Odenwaldbahn. “We want to make sure that the KVG approaches the RMV,” says Gerheim.

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