Berlin, February 18, 2026 – The delay in the renovation of the Berlin-Hamburg railway line has become a contentious issue, with five German states intensifying their pressure on Deutsche Bahn. In a letter addressed to Deutsche Bahn CEO Evelyn Palla, the heads of government expressed their dissatisfaction with the handling of the situation and issued an ultimatum for a revised timeline.
States Criticize Lack of Information and Demand Concrete Plan
The state premiers from Berlin, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Hamburg, and Schleswig-Holstein criticized Deutsche Bahn for extending the construction work without adequately informing the states beforehand or providing a coordinated, reliable schedule. “We expect clarification and your response with a concrete plan of action and timetable by March 2, 2026,” stated the letter to Bahn CEO Evelyn Palla, which was obtained by dpa.
Many commuters relying on this central railway axis are affected by the construction delays, and the exact date for the resumption of regular train services remains unclear.
Deutsche Bahn Rejects Accusations, Cites Weather Conditions
Deutsche Bahn, in response to the letter from the state premiers, refuted the accusations, stating that it had quickly provided transparency regarding the current risks. The company further announced that construction partners had mobilized additional personnel who could begin work immediately once weather conditions permit.
On Monday, Deutsche Bahn had announced that it would not be able to meet the end-of-April deadline for completing the track renovation due to winter weather, including frost and snow. The state-owned corporation plans to announce a new operational schedule for the line on March 13. On Tuesday, it was indicated that the delay would be a matter of “a few weeks, not months.”
Deutsche Bahn explained the construction delay by stating, “The laying of a total of 740 kilometers of cable is technically not possible in snow and ice.” The company emphasized that it is making every effort to catch up.
Call for Close Coordination and Financial Responsibility
The state premiers expect Deutsche Bahn to pool all resources to complete the track renovation and present a stable new timetable. This, they stressed in their joint letter, must be done in close coordination with the affected states, municipalities, and transport companies.
“This timetable must be submitted immediately and communicated continuously.” Furthermore, Deutsche Bahn must ensure continued substitute transport and bear all additional costs, emphasizing that the additional financial burdens should not be passed on to the states, municipalities, or passengers.
Potential Delays for Hamburg-Hanover Route
Concurrently, there is a threat of postponements on another critical route. “The extensive construction work on the Hamburg-Hanover route, which is scheduled to begin on May 1, would be postponed accordingly if the timetable for the completion of the construction work on the Hamburg-Berlin route is adjusted.”
Background of the Dispute
The dispute highlights the ongoing challenges in Germany’s rail infrastructure, particularly concerning major renovation projects. The Berlin-Hamburg line is a vital connection, and its prolonged disruption has significant implications for both passenger and freight transport.
The states’ firm stance underscores the political sensitivity surrounding infrastructure projects and the expectation for transparent communication and reliable execution from public service providers like Deutsche Bahn.
The upcoming meeting on March 13, where Deutsche Bahn is expected to present its revised timeline, will be crucial in determining the next steps and potentially alleviating the tensions between the railway company and the affected federal states.
