Trains Chugging Through Eifel Once More: Resumption of Through-Trains Between Gerolstein and Cologne
Trains regularly operate on the route between Gerolstein and Cologne. - Consistently Running Trains Linking Gerolstein to Cologne
After a prolonged hiatus due to the catastrophic floods of summer 2021, trains have begun their journey between Gerolstein and Cologne on the re-established tracks. This significant step forward has been hailed by Deutsche Bahn as a significant milestone. However, it's crucial to note that the project isn't quite in the clear yet; there will be ongoing restrictions in the upcoming months, chiefly due to the electrification of the tracks.
Richard Lutz, the CEO of Deutsche Bahn, will be shedding light on the progress made and the upcoming plans at a press conference scheduled for Monday, 10:15 AM, at Gerolstein station. Accompanying him will be Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) and Rhineland-Palatinate’s Minister of Transport, Katrin Eder (Greens).
The Eifel line sustained massive damage during the 2021 floods, with many sections necessitating near-complete rebuilding. As a result, delays were frequent. The Eifel line spans approximately 160 kilometers, stretching from Trier-Ehrang to Hürth-Kalscheuren.
The tempest caused an estimated €1.3 billion in damage to the railway infrastructure, with Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia bearing the brunt of the wreckage. The Ahr Valley and West Eifel regions saw considerable devastation in Rhineland-Palatinate.
- Eifel
- Gerolstein
- Cologne
- Flood disaster
- Deutsche Bahn
In the aftermath of the summer 2021 flood disaster, Deutsche Bahn – Germany's national railway company – has announced plans for vocational training programs to enhance the skills of its employees, specifically focusing on the rebuilding and maintenance of damaged railway infrastructure in the Eifel region, such as the Eifel line between Gerolstein and Cologne.
As part of their community policy, Deutsche Bahn is actively exploring avenues for finance support to facilitate the electrification of public-transit infrastructure along the Eifel line, aiming to improve transportation efficiencies and reduce reliance on fossil fuels in the industry.
