concerns over replacement traffic during nine-month closure of Hamburg-Berlin railway line
Berlin-Hamburg Shutdown - Nations Advocating for Enhanced Alternative Transportation Systems - Proposals Already Tabled by the Commission
Multiple federal states have raised concerns about the organization of rail replacement traffic during the upcoming nine-month closure of the long-distance railway line between Hamburg and Berlin. In a letter to Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder (CDU), seven states demand improved alternatives, as not all issues have been agreed upon in the original arrangements between the federal government, states, and Deutsche Bahn.
The states, including Berlin, Brandenburg, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Schleswig-Holstein, require Deutsche Bahn to offer suitable transportation alternatives for affected municipalities and regions on sections undergoing total closures. The states also emphasize the need for reliable funding and sufficient capacity for freight traffic on detour routes.
The 280-kilometer stretch of railway between Berlin and Hamburg is set for complete closure and comprehensive renovation from August 2025 to April 2026, with approximately 230 trains and up to 30,000 passengers traveling daily on this key route. To maintain connectivity during the renovation, ICE trains will be rerouted via Stendal, Uelzen, and Salzwedel, adding an extra 45 minutes to passengers' travel time. Regional Regio lines will provide quicker train connections between Berlin and Hamburg, while buses will cover the missing stops with potentially longer travel times.
Brandenburg’s Minister of Transport Detlef Tabbert (BSW) stated the need for clear assurances from the federal government regarding reliable funding and infrastructure investments to support mobility for commuters and businesses during the construction period. The states also propose establishing a "corridor committee" involving all relevant parties.
With substantial financial investment in replacing overhead lines, tracks, switches, signal boxes, and stations, the project forms part of a broader strategy to modernize Germany's railway infrastructure. While specific funding details have yet to be disclosed, Deutsche Bahn manages the replacement service using nearly 210 buses equipped with Wi-Fi and USB ports, provided by the Ecovista consortium. These buses operate on 26 routes to transport passengers in the region.
The Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link, another significant infrastructure project in the region, highlights broader efforts to improve rail connectivity across Northern Europe.
The states, in their demand to Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder, urge for community aid to address the transportation challenges during the nine-month closure of the Hamburg-Berlin railway line, particularly in terms of finance for reliable funding and capacity expansion for freight traffic on detour routes. The steel industry is anticipated to be significantly impacted, as the railway line is a crucial artery for the movement of raw materials and finished steel products throughout the region.
To ensure that the steel industry continues to operate efficiently during the railway closure, Deutsche Bahn should prioritize addressing concerns related to optimal transportation alternatives for steel-dependent municipalities and regions. The states' proposal for a "corridor committee" to involve all relevant parties could potentially provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss and implement effective strategies for mitigating the challenges faced by the steel industry during the renovation period.
