Suche
Mein Konto
DB Regio secures train traffic between Kiel and Hamburg until 2039!
From December 2027, DB Regio will secure train traffic between Kiel and Hamburg until 2039, which promises significant savings.
DB Regio secures train traffic between Kiel and Hamburg until 2039!
The decision has been made: From December 2027, DB Regio will take over train services on the route between Kiel via Neumünster and Elmshorn to Hamburg. This was announced today by the Schleswig-Holstein Local Transport Association (Nah.sh). This means that DB Regio remains active on this important connection, which has been operated by the railways for many years. These are the RE7 and RE70 lines, which are crucial for commuters and travelers. The finance committee of the state parliament in Kiel has already confirmed this award recommendation NDR reported.
A new step of trust
The operating contract is guaranteed for a period of more than eleven years until at least the end of 2039. After an initial tender in May, which was stopped due to too many offers, the award process has now been successfully restarted. Economics Minister Claus Ruhe Madsen (CDU) described this step as a very positive development. He expects significant savings for the country, although no specific figures were given. n-tv adds that the new offers in the second procurement procedure came from four providers, after only two offers were received in the first procedure.
A lawsuit creates additional tension
However, the situation is not entirely calm. DB Regio has lodged a complaint against the new tender with the Schleswig Higher Regional Court. The court had already ruled that the partial cancellation of the first procurement procedure was unlawful and the final decision on the lawsuit will be announced on November 21st. It remains to be seen whether all discrepancies will be resolved by then.
A way into the future
This new award is not just a question of costs and contractual conditions. There is a larger initiative behind the scenes - a so-called ten-point plan that is intended to ensure a better rail network in the north by 2030. German railway and the state of Schleswig-Holstein are working together on this comprehensive program, which includes, among other things, the expansion and modernization of heavily used routes.
Another important point is the connection to the new “Northvolt” battery factory. This is supplied with up to twelve pairs of trains every day in order to support the region economically. The investments are intended to adapt not only train traffic, but also the stations and the entire infrastructure to meet modern requirements.
The rail infrastructure in Schleswig-Holstein is already enormous: 1,123 kilometers of track and 137 train stations are available for around 40.5 million travelers every year. The freight transport figures are also impressive: 5 million tons were transported in 2022 alone.
Overall, it is clear that the coming years are of crucial importance for rail traffic in Schleswig-Holstein. Exciting developments will show whether the plans can be successfully implemented and whether DB Regio can assert itself in an increasingly competitive environment.