Transportation interruptions on the ICE line linking Berlin and Munich
The German rail network is facing significant challenges following a suspected arson attack in Hirschaid, Upper Franconia, which has caused a closure of the rail section between Bamberg and Forchheim. This incident has led to extensive damage to an underpass, rendering the tracks above it unusable and necessitating the complete closure of this segment until repairs are completed.
Deutsche Bahn has announced that the disruptions, which are expected to last until at least Thursday, July 10, 2025, will have a profound impact on long-distance ICE trains travelling between Berlin and Munich. These trains are either heavily delayed or rerouted, with journey times extended by approximately 90 minutes due to diversions.
Regional trains between Nuremberg and Bamberg have been suspended, and the S1 regional train towards Nuremberg terminates early at Forchheim. A replacement bus service operates between Forchheim and Bamberg, but due to concurrent roadworks, it cannot stop at several intermediate stations. Taxis are being used to cover these stops.
Passengers using regional routes between Nuremberg and Bamberg are advised to reroute via Würzburg using alternative RE and RB trains. Some long-distance trains do not stop at Erlangen and Bamberg, and certain IC services via Jena have been cancelled.
The criminal police are investigating the incident on suspicion of arson. No specific information was provided about the cause of the fire.
This disruption unfortunately compounds existing challenges in the German rail network caused by a concurrent intense heatwave, which has already led to widespread delays and cancellations due to infrastructure stress. However, it's important to note that the current Berlin-Munich disruption is specifically due to the arson-related track closure in Hirschaid.
Repairs for the damaged tracks are currently in progress, and Deutsche Bahn is managing replacement transport and rerouting plans to minimise inconvenience for travelers. Normal service is not expected to resume until after July 10, 2025.
[1] Source: Deutsche Bahn press release [2] Source: Bild newspaper report on the heatwave's impact on the German rail network.
The disruption to the German rail network, caused by an arson attack on a rail section between Bamberg and Forchheim, has affected not only the long-distance ICE trains that travel between Berlin and Munich, but also the finance sector, as the extended journey times due to diversions could potentially impact the public-transit transportation industry's financial revenue. Moreover, the ongoing repairs and replacement transport might increase the usage of private transportation options, such as taxis, during this period.
