The full length of the Rhine Valley Railway line (“Rheintalbahn”) will be in operation again as of October 2. Deutsche Bahn (DB) and the construction companies further optimised staffing and machinery logistics, which has made it possible to complete work earlier than planned.
“In such a difficult situation, every day counts for our customers in freight and passenger transport. It is therefore reassuring that we will complete the work earlier than expected,” said Ronald Pofalla, Member of the Management Board of Deutsche Bahn for Infrastructure.
On August 12, driving work in a tunnel at Rastatt in southwest Germany resulted in water and earth collapsing into the uncompleted tunnel. The Rhine Valley Railway runs immediately above the tunnel, and the accident caused the line’s permanent way and tracks to sink considerably. Since then, passenger and freight services have been suspended on the section of this vital transport artery between Rastatt and Baden-Baden.
Organising replacement services for freight transportation will remain one of the major tasks until the line reopens. The early reopening of the Stuttgart-Hattingen line (“Gäubahn”) on September 7 after construction work had been expedited relieves pressure somewhat. In addition, approximately 70 additional train drivers are working in freight transport, primarily on routes to Italy via France and southern Germany.
Some drivers have also joined the Deutsche Bahn now from rail companies in neighbouring countries. The challenge is that not only do these drivers need to have the requisite knowledge about our vehicles and routes; they must also have the relevant language skills.
Looking at the larger picture, it is clear that the combined support from major European rail companies is having the desired effect. “My staff and I are in regular contact with rail operators in Switzerland, Austria and France. Our cooperation is working, and we are tremendously grateful for this,” said DB CEO Lutz.
