Development of the infrastructure
Capacity and frequency management
Capacity management continues to becoming significantly more important. To enable the anticipated growth in passenger numbers, steps must be taken to ensure the performance capability of capacity-critical stations. Germany in sync (Deutschland-Takt) is contributing significantly to the passenger forecast for 2040, which forms the basis for categorizing stations by capacity. Since 2021, more than 200 stations have already been analyzed using a capacity check and coordinated to identify potential bottlenecks. Simulations were also carried out to verify and underpin the results. In 2022, a video-based frequency management system was successfully implemented and completed at the pilot station (Hamburg Central Station). The rollout at other stations will be implemented for 2023/24.
Modernization, commissioning and construction of stations
- Dortmund central station: After completion of the modernization (expected in the first quarter of 2025), the station will have full step-free access and will enable barrier-free linkage of all modes of transport. In late May 2022, the fourth of the eight platforms to be modernized went back into service after less than one year, and the fifth one is expected to go into service in April 2023.
- Hanover central station: Beginning in summer 2022, all the platforms, platform roofs and some bridge structures above the passenger tunnel level are being gradually renovated at Hanover central station. Work on the first part of the project began in summer 2022. As construction work on the platforms is concentrating on the period of time around the summer holidays, the overall work is expected to be completed in 2033.
- Berlin Ostbahnhof (East Station): Construction work on the hall roof is progressing at Berlin Ostbahnhof. Since May 2021, scaffolding platforms have been set up to renovate the entire roof membrane, install new skylights and renew the corrosion protection on all of the roof girders. To this end, the components of the hall roof above the protective structure will be gradually dismantled or reassembled and replaced by new components. The measures are expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
- Hamburg-Altona station: The terminal station for long-distance and regional transport in Hamburg-Altona is being moved as a stop. The current Diebsteich S-Bahn (metro) station will be expanded to become a through station. The project is supported by the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, which also expects urban development stimulus through cleared areas in Altona and the new development at Diebsteich. A total of four platforms and a concourse building will be constructed. Work has already begun. The S-Bahn (metro) platform will be put into operation by fall 2023, with the three long-distance and regional platforms expected to be in operation in 2027.
