Higher quality and performance: two construction licences for the Halle-Eichenberg route.

Building permissions granted for the barrier-free expansion of Lutherstadt Eisleben railway station and the construction of an overtaking track for long goods trains in Sangerhausen • 14 modern electronic signal stations (ESTW) will replace 33 old signal stations in future • passengers and business will benefit - construction work to be completed by 2027

Deutsche Bahn (DB) is modernising the busy Halle (Saale) – Kassel line between Halle and Eichenberg in Hesse to improve quality and efficiency. The relevant authority has now granted planning permission for two key sub-projects: the barrier-free expansion of Lutherstadt Eisleben station, and the construction of a 740-metre-long passing track for goods trains in Sangerhausen. This will be the second overtaking track for long goods trains on the line, in addition to the one in Röblingen am See.

The modernisation of the line also involves the construction of 14 new electronic signal stations (ESTWs), which will control trains on the line in future. DB is replacing 33 outdated, primarily mechanical signal stations between Halle and Eichenberg, including those in Berga-Kelbra, Sangerhausen, Riestedt, Blankenheim, Lutherstadt Eisleben, Röblingen am See, and Teutschenthal. The service will be operated from Röblingen am See in Saxony-Anhalt in future. Construction work on the Sangerhausen–Angersdorf section is set to begin in autumn 2025.

DB project manager Uwe Sieber: "We are upgrading our existing network and modernising an important east-west section of our infrastructure between Halle and Kassel. The outdated interlocking technology is prone to faults and requires a lot of manpower. We want to change that. To keep to our tight schedule, we informed construction companies and suppliers early on. Our aim is to increase the number of trains running on the line and improve the quality of service for travellers."

In Lutherstadt Eisleben DB is building new platforms with tactile guidance systems for blind and visually impaired travellers so that they will be able to board and alight without steps in future. A new pedestrian subway and new lifts will improve overall accessibility. DB is also replacing signalling technology in the station area. Construction work on the Halle-Eichenberg line is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. This means that the line will be able to serve as a robust and reliable diversion route during subsequent general refurbishments.

This project forms part of DB's comprehensive 'S3' programme, which aims to restructure the company over the next three years. The programme aims to restore the efficiency of the railway, significantly improve the customer experience, and ensure the company's financial sustainability. In short, DB aims to become more punctual, reliable and profitable.

ngsfähigkeit der Schiene wiederherzustellen, das Kundenerlebnis deutlich zu verbessern und die finanzielle Tragfähigkeit der DB abzusichern. Kurz: Die DB soll pünktlicher, verlässlicher und profitabler werden.

In terms of infrastructure, the focus is on refurbishing what already exists. This includes the refurbishment of 1,500 kilometres of track, covering all communication corridors, by 2027, as well as the replacement of 200 old, faulty signal stations.