Postponement of the Rehabilitation of Hamburg and Lübeck
The renovation of the railway line between Hamburg and Lübeck, initially scheduled for 2027, has been postponed to 2028. Deutsche Bahn has started an industry dialogue regarding this matter, although an official confirmation is yet to be made.
The delay is due to the expansion of the alternative railway connection between Lübeck and Schwerin, which is scheduled to be completed by 2028. This expansion includes electrification, additional overtaking tracks, and a direct connection at Bad Kleinen, creating a high-capacity alternative route.
The renovation work is part of the broader Hamburg–Berlin line upgrade, which is set to start with a full closure of the line from 1 August 2025. Construction will last approximately nine months, until around May 2026, and will involve extensive track, switch, control, and safety system renewals, as well as modernization of stations and new infrastructure for traffic flexibility.
During the closure period, rail services will be diverted or replaced by buses to maintain connectivity. This renovation covers the section between Hamburg and Büchen, where Lübeck lies shortly after Büchen on the route towards Berlin.
The comprehensive renovation of the line would have resulted in a lengthy full closure, raising concerns about logistical constraints and potential delays. These fears have been expressed in relation to the planned rerouting of freight traffic via Büchen.
A follow-up meeting is scheduled for July 9, at which a consolidated proposal for extending the timeline until 2035 will be created. This proposal will then be submitted to the Federal Ministry of Transport for final approval. The start of construction for the renovation is now expected to be in 2028.
Sources:
- railmarket.com
- railway-news.com
The delay in the renovation of the railway line between Hamburg and Lübeck has triggered a dialogue within the industry, particularly focusing on finance and transportation. With the expansion of the alternative railway connection between Lübeck and Schwerin scheduled for completion in 2028, the need for substantial finance will be crucial to achieve the new timeline for the renovation in 2028, and ensure smooth transportation along the Hamburg–Berlin line.
