Munich-Mühldorf Rail Line Closed for Easter Holidays: Signal Box Upgrade Causes Disruptions
Munich/Mühldorf – Travellers between Mühldorf and Munich will face significant disruptions during the upcoming Easter holidays. The heavily frequented railway line connecting Mühldorf and Munich Central Station will be entirely closed for over two weeks, from Thursday, March 27, at 8:00 PM, until April 13, at 5:20 AM. This closure is necessitated by extensive signal box modernization work.
Deutsche Bahn announced on Thursday that all trains on this route are cancelled. Instead, the Südostbayernbahn will operate a large-scale bus replacement service. Commuters and travellers are advised to adjust their plans accordingly.
Modernization of Outdated Technology
The reason behind the closure is the upgrade to modern electronic signal box technology. By early 2027, the last mechanical systems on the route are expected to be replaced. This new technology aims to make the railway infrastructure “more stable, flexible, and less prone to malfunctions” in the long term.
During the construction period, buses will serve as replacements, stopping at all regular intermediate stations up to Munich East (Friedenstraße). The stop at Thann-Matzbach will be relocated to “Lengdorf Ort.” Additionally, direct buses will run from Mühldorf, Ampfing, and Dorfen to Messestadt Ost, from where passengers can continue their journey to Munich city centre via the U2 subway line. Südostbayernbahn tickets will be valid on these replacement buses.
Simultaneous S-Bahn Stammstrecke Closure Adds to Complexity
Compounding the travel situation, simultaneous restrictions will affect Munich’s S-Bahn Stammstrecke (main line). From March 31 (10:40 PM) to April 13 (4:40 AM), no S-Bahn trains will operate between Stachus and Ostbahnhof, as well as towards Trudering and Giesing. This is due to switch renewals at Isartor and ongoing construction for the Second Stammstrecke project.
Passengers travelling from Ostbahnhof to the city centre during this period should use the U5 subway line. Deutsche Bahn urges all passengers to check their connections via the app or travel information services before embarking on their journeys.
