Hamburg, Germany – The comprehensive renovation of the railway line connecting Hamburg and Berlin, a vital artery for both freight and passenger traffic, is advancing according to Deutsche Bahn’s timeline. Five months into the project, the first major construction phase is reportedly on the verge of completion, with the overall renovation expected to conclude by April 30th of the coming year.
Significant Progress in Track and Switch Renewal
Deutsche Bahn officials confirmed that the initial phase of the general overhaul, which commenced on August 1st, has seen substantial progress, particularly in the renewal of tracks and switches. According to a spokesperson for Deutsche Bahn, approximately 94 percent of the track work has been completed, along with nearly 80 percent of the switch replacements. This intensive effort has involved over 1,000 employees and 140 construction machines working daily to ensure the project remains on schedule.
Key achievements in this phase include the renewal of 156 kilometers of track, the renovation of six station platforms, and the replacement of 15 kilometers of overhead lines. These foundational improvements are critical for enhancing the reliability and efficiency of one of Germany’s most heavily used rail corridors.
Next Steps: Stations, Signals, and Control Technology
With the primary work on the track infrastructure largely finalized, the project will now shift its focus to other crucial components of the railway system. The upcoming phase will concentrate on the modernization and renovation of train stations, as well as the installation and upgrading of signal and control technology. This includes integrating more than 1,000 individual technical systems with the renewed interlocking technology, a complex process involving 740 kilometers of new cabling to connect 27 signal boxes, 678 signals, and 224 switch drives.
Dr. Philipp Nagl, CEO of DB InfraGO AG, emphasized the importance of this next stage: “With the completion of the superstructure work, the general renovation of the Hamburg-Berlin line enters its next important phase. Modern control and safety technology will make this important connection more stable, efficient, and future-proof in the long term.”
Furthermore, extensive work is planned for 28 stations along the route. These upgrades will include platform extensions and height adjustments for barrier-free access, longer platform roofs, and improved guidance systems for visually impaired passengers. Twenty of these stations are slated for comprehensive development into “future stations,” featuring redesigned pedestrian underpasses, consistent design concepts, and enhanced seating, waiting areas, and bicycle parking facilities.
Impact on Commuters and Alternative Transport
The ongoing renovation has necessitated significant adjustments to train services between Hamburg and Berlin. Direct long-distance trains operated by Deutsche Bahn and other railway companies are being rerouted via Uelzen and Stendal. For regional and local traffic, a comprehensive replacement bus service is in operation, with over 170 buses from ecoVista deployed across more than 25 lines daily.
While the project aims to minimize disruption, commuters from regions such as West Mecklenburg, which heavily rely on this connection, continue to experience longer travel times and the inconvenience of bus transfers. Despite initial challenges, DB InfraGO has implemented several improvements based on feedback from transport companies, including the provision of sanitary containers at six locations and enhanced signage for navigation.
The Hamburg-Berlin railway line, spanning 278 kilometers, is one of Germany’s busiest, handling approximately 470 regional, long-distance, and freight trains daily. The successful completion of this general renovation is expected to significantly enhance the line’s capacity and overall operational stability, benefiting millions of passengers and contributing to a more robust national rail network.
Source: [ndr.de](https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/mecklenburg-vorpommern/westmecklenburg/generalsanierung-hamburg-berlin-deutsche-bahn-wohl-im-zeitplan,mvregioschwerin-2664.html), [rbb24.de](https://www.rbb24.de/panorama/beitrag/2025/12/generalsanierung-der-bahnstrecke-hamburg-berlin-im-zeitplan.html), [lok-report.de](https://www.lok-report.de/news/deutschland/verkehr/item/63934-deutsche-bahn-generalsanierung-hamburg-berlin-im-zeitplan.html), [nordkurier.de](https://www.nordkurier.de/regional/mecklenburg-vorpommern/halbzeit-auf-der-strecke-berlin-hamburg-so-faellt-die-bau-bilanz-der-bahn-aus-4195637), [heise.de](https://www.heise.de/news/Generalsanierung-Hamburg-Berlin-Bahn-liegt-im-Zeitplan-11120167.html), [deutschebahn.com](https://www.deutschebahn.com/de/presse/presse-regional/pr-hamburg-de/aktuell/presseinformationen-regional/Generalsanierung-Hamburg-Berlin-im-zeitplan-Erste-bauphase-steht-vor-dem-abschluss–13703288)
