The Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Transport of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, Oliver Krischer, officially handed over the funding notice from go.Rheinland to DB, for the modernisation of Leverkusen-Manfort station.
The Government of North Rhine-Westphalia is supporting the project with state funding amounting to EUR 8.7 million for construction costs and EUR 1 million for planning costs (phases 5 to 9). This means DB can now proceed to the next stage of planning for the upcoming works which are expected to take place during major overhaul of the Hagen–Cologne line in 2026.
“This station has always been a driver of local development. With the funding approval, the construction contracts can now be awarded. We’re making the station fit for the future – both for regional services and the Rhein-Ruhr Express,” the minister said.
The modernisation of Leverkusen-Manfort station is part of the refurbishment of the existing rail network, offering immediate benefits for passengers. Once complete, all stations within Leverkusen’s city limits will be accessible.
“The modernisation of Leverkusen-Manfort station sends a strong signal for improved accessibility and comfort in local rail services. As the regional transport authority, we welcome the close coordination with the major refurbishment of the line. This way, we create a future-ready station without additional line closures,” Michael Vogel, Managing Director at go.Rheinland, added.
DB is implementing a comprehensive package of measures at the station, with a focus on ensuring full accessibility.
The following work is planned:
- Barrier-free modernisation: Platforms 1 and 2/3 will be standardised to a length of 215 metres and a height of 76 centimetres, allowing level boarding onto trains.
- Accessible routes: New ramps will be constructed to platforms 1 and 2/3, providing step-free access. Staircases on both platforms will also be renewed.
- Improved passenger experience: Energy-efficient LED lighting, modern platform furnishings, and three glazed weather shelters will significantly enhance comfort and the sense of safety. The pedestrian underpass leading to the platforms will also be upgraded.
- Modern passenger information system: New display boards will show information for up to three trains. Loudspeaker announcements will be clearer. An additional screen will show updates to the timetable during construction works.
- New platform canopy: A new canopy approximately 60 metres long – slightly longer than the current one – will be installed.
DB is planning to carry out the works as part of the comprehensive refurbishment of the Hagen – Wuppertal – Cologne route in the first half of 2026. The scheduled start remains dependent on the tendering process. A large portion of the construction work has already been awarded, with the remaining contracts expected to be finalised in autumn 2025.
“The notice is an important step for us. The project team can now begin detailed planning for the barrier-free conversion. We’re doing everything we can to ensure passengers in Leverkusen will soon benefit from a modern, accessible, and comfortable station,” said Kai Rossmann, DB’s station manager for the Cologne region.
The modernisation of Leverkusen-Manfort station is part of DB’s S3 infrastructure renewal programme. Deutsche Bahn aims to get the railway back on track by 2027, supporting the growth targets of its “Strong Rail” strategy. The programme focuses on three priorities: upgrading infrastructure, stabilising rail operations, and improving cost efficiency.
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