Berlin-Hamburg Recovery Initiation Details for Travelers: Crucial Updates Explained - Passengers' Essential Information Regarding the Commencement of the Hamburg-Berlin Transport Connection
The Hamburg-Berlin railway line is set for a significant overhaul, with renovation works scheduled to begin on August 1, 2023, and last for nine months until April 30, 2024. This extensive project, undertaken by Deutsche Bahn (DB), aims to revitalise the dilapidated route and improve its safety and efficiency [1][2][3].
Scope of Works
The line will be divided into three construction sections: Hamburg–Büchen, Büchen–Dergenthin, and Dergenthin–Berlin. DB plans to renew more than 180 km of track, replace approximately 200 switches, and construct six new grade-separated transfer points to enhance traffic flexibility and allow overtaking [1][2]. Additionally, signal boxes and control systems will be modernised, with 28 traffic stations along the route receiving upgrades, including new signalling and interlocking technologies [1][2].
Impact on Traffic
Long-distance passenger trains between Hamburg and Berlin will be rerouted on alternative routes, maintaining connectivity though with detours of up to 100 km for intercity services. Trains to/from Rostock and Stralsund will divert via Lübeck [1][2][3]. Regional rail services on this corridor will be replaced by more than 170 buses daily, providing extensive substitute transport to maintain connections for intermediate towns [1][3].
Freight traffic will face diversions and delays. However, the six new transfer points aim to improve freight flow efficiency post-upgrade, though freight trains will be rerouted even further during works [1][2][3]. EuroCity trains from Prague to Hamburg will be truncated to terminate in Berlin, temporarily ceasing direct Prague-Hamburg services [4].
Reasons for Closure
The project addresses decades of neglected, deteriorated infrastructure, including outdated tracks, switches, and signal boxes some dating back to the 19th century that can no longer support digital operation standards. DB faces a significant backlog of necessary rehabilitation to secure stable, modern rail operations on this vital corridor, which handles about 30,000 passengers daily and around 470 trains each day [3].
Summary
This closure represents a major national infrastructure investment resolving historic underfunding and safety challenges on Germany’s busiest direct rail route [1][2][3][4]. Travelers should expect longer journey times and coordinate their plans accordingly.
Additional Information
- The condition rating of the route is predicted to improve from 3.7 to 2.3 following the renovation. This is similar to the improvement seen on the Riedbahn, where the condition rating improved from 3.70 to 2.19 through the general overhaul.
- 249 switches will be installed in total.
- The EC trains between Hamburg and Prague will start and end in Berlin, and the long-distance trains between Hamburg and Rostock will be rerouted via Lübeck and Bad Kleinen, taking around 60 minutes longer.
- Some freight trains will be rerouted via Uelzen and Stendal, and Rotenburg (Wümme) and Verden (Aller), causing delays of several hours for transport companies.
- Regional traffic will be significantly more inconvenient, with many lines being canceled or only running on individual sections. Replacement buses will be used on 28 connections.
- Only the most urgent repairs were made during last year's construction work on the Hamburg-Berlin railway line. The comprehensive renovation aims to fundamentally improve the condition of the route.
- The signal boxes will be prepared for the use of a digital control and safety technology (ETCS), but the route itself will not be switched to digital technology until the 2030s. This will make it possible for more trains to run closer together on the route.
- Some long-distance vehicles will also have toilets, according to Ecovista's announcement.
- The company Ecovista will operate the buses, having ordered 208 new buses from the manufacturers SOR and Iveco. These buses will have Wi-Fi and USB power outlets.
- No long-distance trains will stop in Schwerin during the construction period.
- Not all of the new buses will be delivered before the start of construction, so Ecovista will have to use vehicles from subcontractors.
- Passengers in long-distance traffic can expect detours and longer travel times due to the closure, with long-distance trains taking an average of 45 minutes longer and only one connection per hour instead of every 30 minutes.
- The European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission are expected to discuss the extensive renovation project on the Hamburg-Berlin railway line, given its national significance as Germany's busiest direct rail route.
- As part of the project, the industry of bus transportation will experience growth, with the European Parliament and the Council monitoring the acquisition of 208 new buses from SOR and Iveco for use during the closure.
- In the finance sector, investment banks may adjust their travel plans due to the closure of the Hamburg-Berlin railway line, considering the increased travel time and consequently extended business trips.
