Deutsche Bahn (DB) has announced that a full renovation of the vital Hamburg–Berlin railway corridor will begin in August.
The 280 km route, which currently carries up to 30 long-distance and 130 freight trains daily, will be closed for at least nine months to allow a comprehensive upgrade aimed at improving reliability and capacity. The route is scheduled to reopen on 30 April 2026.
The project is part of DB’s strategy to modernise its most heavily used lines through full closures, allowing faster, bundled work. Similar upgrades are planned for over 40 corridors by 2030.
Hamburg–Berlin: Extensive infrastructure works
The overhaul includes the renewal of around 900 km of track, 150 switches, and 7,000 overhead line masts. Stations such as Ludwigslust, Wittenberge and Büchen will receive accessibility improvements and platform upgrades. Signal and safety systems will also be replaced or modernised, with parts of the line being upgraded to digital interlockings.
“Today’s quality and capacity problems are often caused by old infrastructure,” said DB Infrastructure Board Member Berthold Huber. “That’s why we’re switching from patchwork repairs to complete renovations.”
Impact on services and mitigation Plans
DB plans to run a basic long-distance service between Hamburg and Berlin during the closure, with diversions and replacement buses for regional routes. Freight traffic will be rerouted as part of a broader freight network strategy.
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) is funding the works. Parliamentary State Secretary Michael Theurer stated: “This route is a backbone of our rail system. The general overhaul will improve traffic flow, punctuality and reliability.”
The general refurbishment of the Hamburg–Berlin line forms part of Deutsche Bahn’s “S3” national infrastructure improvement strategy.
Following the success of the Riedbahn project – which saw a 60% reduction in infrastructure-related disruptions – DB aims to replicate those gains along the nation’s busiest routes.
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