Federal Minister for Transport Patrick Schnieder, together with Philipp Nagl, CEO of DB InfraGO, announced the signing of financing agreements worth a total of EUR 2.5 billion for the modernisation and expansion of rail infrastructure.
The signing ceremony took place in Berlin on 29 January, with representatives of the Federal Parliament and the German federal states also in attendance.
“Investment in the rail network remains a top priority. Alongside the modernisation and rehabilitation of existing lines, it is equally important to promote the expansion of rail infrastructure through the construction of new routes. Several projects are already under way, and the efficient use of available financial resources is essential,” Minister Schnieder said.
“Infrastructure funding is an investment in the future. It is encouraging that, in addition to record funding for the modernisation of the existing network, the federal government is also supporting major rail expansion projects and the development of new lines,” Philipp Nagl, CEO of DB InfraGO, added.
Pfaffensteig – a strategic tunnel for Stuttgart 21
Alongside the expansion of rail infrastructure in Berlin and several regions in eastern Germany, the Pfaffensteig tunnel in the Stuttgart area stands out as a strategic project. According to Philipp Nagl, it is a key component of the Deutschland-Takt timetable concept on the Gäubahn line and plays a crucial role within the Stuttgart 21 project.
The tunnel has received the largest allocation of federal funding, amounting to EUR 1.7 billion, and forms part of the modernisation and expansion programme for the Stuttgart–Singen–German/Swiss border (Gäubahn) line. With a length of 11 km, the tunnel enables a direct connection between the Gäubahn and the future Stuttgart rail hub, offering passengers a fast link between Stuttgart and Zurich.
Specifically, Pfaffensteig will connect the Gäubahn section near Böblingen-Goldberg with the long-distance airport station, reducing journey times from the current 22 minutes to just 7 minutes. From the airport station, passengers will have direct access to the future Stuttgart 21 main station, as well as onward routes to Ulm and Munich, thereby strengthening rail infrastructure in south-west Germany.
Financing of other projects:
EUR 65 million has been approved to support the implementation of measures aimed at reducing noise levels along sections of Berlin’s eastern ring, areas heavily affected by rail traffic.
EUR 200 million for the modernisation and expansion of the Zwickau rail hub, paving the way for construction works to be carried out by DB InfraGO AG.
The electrification of Gerstungen – Heimboldshausen line, part of the federal “Electrified Freight Lines” programme. The line connects the Werra plant and the salt heaps in Heringen with K+S GmbH’s largest storage site in Philippsthal, integrating these facilities into the DB network.
EUR 339 million for the modernisation of railway lines and stations in coal-mining regions, with the aim of improving mobility and freight transport.
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