Deutsche Bahn (DB) has reopened the Eifel Line, with trains once again running continuously between Gerolstein and Cologne, nearly four years after the devastating floods that damaged the route.
To make this possible, DB, in close cooperation with the federal states of Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia, local municipalities, and regional transport authorities, has rebuilt the severely damaged line between Hürth-Kalscheuren and Trier.
To mark the return of services, representatives from Deutsche Bahn and the political sphere gathered at Gerolstein station to celebrate this important milestone for the region.
“Together with all those involved, we’ve already achieved a great deal – restoring or completely renewing tracks, bridges, stations, and signalling systems. That progress gives us momentum for the work still ahead. By 2028 at the latest, the Eifel region will permanently benefit from a modern, eco-friendly and attractive railway service,” the CEO of DB, Richard Lutz, said.
The work included the restoration of the affected stations, more than 20 bridges and retaining structures, as well as 10 km of railway embankment. Along the roughly 160-km route, DB employees and contracted firms also modernised the entire signalling and control systems. To ensure reliable and flexible rail operations, two state-of-the-art electronic interlockings were constructed in Gerolstein and Euskirchen.
Additionally, construction teams repaired flood damage at 24 level crossings, upgraded them with modern technology, and connected over 200 signals to the new interlockings. As a result, trains can now once again run continuously between Gerolstein and Cologne on the Eifel Line. This enables passengers and tourists to travel comfortably by rail, particularly during the busy summer months and holiday periods.
In parallel with rebuilding the infrastructure, DB began work on electrifying the route last autumn. For this, further construction-related closures will be required in sections starting from 24 August.
“The line will become even more attractive once electrification is completed – something I have personally championed for years. While this next phase will again bring some disruption for passengers in the region, I am confident that the patience shown will ultimately prove worthwhile,” the Federal Minister for Transport, Patrick Schnieder, said.
According to current projections, fully continuous rail services on the Eifel Line are expected to resume permanently in the course of 2028. The electrification works are being funded by the federal states of Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia.
The reconstruction and electrification of the route between Hürth-Kalscheuren and Trier contribute to DB’s infrastructure renewal programme “S3” aiming at restoring the performance of the rail network and significantly improve the customer experience through better punctuality, reliability, and fewer service disruptions.
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