Deutsche Bahn (DB) and Siemens Mobility have set a new speed record on the Erfurt–Leipzig/Halle high-speed line, achieving 405.0 km/h with an ICE test train. Runs at speeds exceeding 300 km/h are rare on Germany’s rail network and are conducted solely for testing purposes.
“Today (June 28), an ICE has travelled faster than ever before on the Erfurt–Leipzig/Halle route. The new top speed of 405.0 km/h confirms the infrastructure’s capability. After 10 years of continuous operation, we can run at these speeds without adjustments. This demonstrates that long-term infrastructure investment underpins reliable, sustainable, and high-performance mobility and logistics. The tests provide valuable data for maintaining and upgrading high-speed lines, as well as advancing high-speed train technology, benefiting passengers,”Dr Philipp Nagl, CEO of DB InfraGO AG, said.
Christian Hirte, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Transport, added: “Germany is and can be a leader! This record speed shows we possess high-quality infrastructure and a strong industrial base. The test results will benefit DB AG in future procurements and customers by enabling fast, safe, and punctual travel. The achievement also reinforces Germany’s position as a key economic and export nation.”
Thomas Graetz, Vice President High Speed and Intercity Trains at Siemens Mobility, commented: “The successful test runs of our Velaro Novo test train, reaching 405.0 km/h today, demonstrate the power of our latest high-speed train generation. Our aim was to gather detailed insights into acoustics, aerodynamics, and handling at extreme speeds — a goal we achieved thanks to excellent collaboration with DB InfraGO AG and DB Systemtechnik. The Velaro Novo will revolutionise rail transport by setting new standards in capacity, cost-efficiency, and sustainability. Such innovations are essential for future mobility.”
Dr Hiie-Mai Unger, Chairwoman of DB Systemtechnik, said: “Driving innovation and preparing rail traffic for the future is our mission. Using our high-speed test train ‘ICE-S’, we collected important data on acoustics, aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, and train-track interaction at very high speeds. These insights will support future track renovations and help optimise rail operations, particularly in high-speed traffic.”
ICE test train
The ICE-S test train, operated by DB Systemtechnik, is used mainly for testing and measurement. Equipped with extensive instrumentation, it evaluates new lines, inspects infrastructure, and performs high-speed trials. It plays a crucial role in advancing and securing the performance of Germany’s high-speed rail network.
The new Velaro Novo from Siemens Mobility is the latest evolution of the Velaro family, featuring numerous innovations that improve efficiency by up to 30%, reduce investment and maintenance costs, and increase seating capacity by 10%. With flexible configurations, it is future-proof and adaptable to changing operator needs. The Velaro Novo test train, named #seeitnovo, has been trialled on Germany’s long-distance network for several years.
In regular service, ICE trains in Germany run at speeds up to 300 km/h, mainly on specially developed high-speed lines such as Berlin–Munich and Cologne–Frankfurt, which are engineered for safe high-speed operation.
The Erfurt–Leipzig/Halle line, part of the German Unity Transport Project No. 8 (VDE 8), opened in 2015 and is designed for high speeds. Prior to testing, the line underwent thorough expert inspection and remains in excellent condition. The route is currently closed until 12 July for maintenance and optimisation, including the installation of low-maintenance bridge bearings to ensure ongoing reliability. Train services are diverted to parallel lines, with adjustments reflected in timetables.
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