Reconstruction of the Berlin-Hamburg line as Deutsche Bahn revises its technical approach to the upgrade Without ETCS (European Train Control System) application will continue. The project Starting on August 1, 2025 and completed by the end of April 2026 All works, including rail and overhead line modernization, will follow an accelerated plan.
Why Was ETCS Excluded from the Restructuring Phase?
The original plan included installing ETCS alongside the LZB and PZB systems, but this dual installation proved to be too costly.
Experience from the Riedbahn project between Frankfurt and Mannheim has shown that combining ETCS with conventional signalling delays line operation and increases project costs. The Riedbahn reopened in December 2024, but activation of ETCS is not expected until Q2025 2. This highlights the technical challenges of dual signalling systems on a single corridor.
ETCS is planned to be deployed later
Deutsche Bahn will equip all railway vehicles with compatible systems Plans to implement ETCS in 2030sDuring the current restructuring, microprocessor interlocks and axle counters will be upgraded to support future ETCS integration.
