DB InfraGO has begun the general renovation of the Hagen – Wuppertal – Cologne and Nuremberg – Regensburg railway lines, with a construction period of around five months until July 2026. On the Hagen – Cologne line, which serves as a corridor between the Ruhr area, the Bergisches Land region and the Rhine, 81 km of track, 50 sets of switches and 29 km of overhead lines are being modernised. By the end of 2027, 12 stations along the entire line will also be modernised and made disabled-accessible. German state railway DB has decided not to introduce the European Train Control System (ETCS) or modernise the interlocking systems. At the same time, the Nuremberg – Regensburg line is being renewed. The project includes the modernisation of 96 km of track, 74 switches and 81 km of overhead lines, as well as the installation of two additional point connections and the renewal of the control-command and signalling (CCS) technology. Preparatory measures for the installation of ETCS are being carried out at eight interlocking systems. A total of 20 stations between Feucht and Regensburg-Prüfening are also being modernised. Rail replacement services and diversions have been prepared for both lines.
