Rail services have resumed in full on the Nuremberg–Regensburg line, one of Bavaria’s main routes and part of the European Rhine–Danube corridor. Hitachi Rail has modernised the signalling and control systems, and the new equipment paves the way for the future introduction of the ETCS system.
Passenger and freight trains are once again running as normal on the line between Nuremberg and Regensburg, following the completion of an extensive infrastructure modernisation programme.
The line was fully reopened on 31 July, and all rail services resumed their normal timetables from 1 August.
The project forms part of the programme run by the German infrastructure manager DB InfraGO, which aims to modernise over 40 heavily used rail corridors by 2036.
Eight electronic signalling centres modernised
The railway technology company Hitachi Rail carried out a significant part of the work relating to signalling and traffic control.
The project included the modernisation of eight electronic signalling centres, as well as the replacement of the axle counting system with a solution compatible with the future introduction of ETCS.
Modifications were also made to the signalling installations along the route, and the command and control system was migrated to the infrastructure used in the Munich railway control area.
The new equipment should enable more stable and flexible traffic management, reduce disruptions and improve train punctuality.
“The commissioning of these upgrades has created the conditions for more stable and flexible operation of this section. Our signalling and control technology also provides the basis for future upgrades, such as ETCS,” said Hannes Beck, project manager at Hitachi Rail.
Part of the European Rhine–Danube corridor
The Nuremberg–Regensburg line is one of the most important rail links in Bavaria.
It forms part of the European Rhine–Danube transport corridor, which connects western and central Europe with the Danube region and the south-east of the continent.
The route is used by both regional and long-distance trains, as well as freight trains, including in cross-border traffic to Austria.
The modernisation of the infrastructure aims to increase the reliability of services and reduce instances where delays spread from one train to another, affecting connections at major railway hubs.
“The largest recent rail modernisation project in Bavaria”
DB InfraGO describes the works as the most extensive rail modernisation project carried out in Bavaria in recent years.
“The commissioning of the largest railway modernisation project in Bavaria’s recent history demonstrates what can be achieved through close and trust-based cooperation,” said Lucas Griep, project manager for the Nuremberg–Regensburg corridor modernisation at DB InfraGO.
According to him, the complexity of the works required close collaboration between the infrastructure manager, Hitachi Rail and the other companies involved.
Hitachi Rail is also working on the section towards Passau
Hitachi Rail is also involved in the modernisation of the neighbouring railway corridor between Obertraubling and Passau.
DB InfraGO began work on this section in June 2026, and the company is also supplying signalling and control technologies here.
The works form part of Germany’s strategy to modernise the existing rail infrastructure using digital systems, rather than simply replacing individual pieces of outdated equipment.
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