Cologne Messe/Deutz train station: Switch repairs cause massive delays

Cologne Messe/Deutz train station: Switch repairs cause massive delays

On Monday, October 27, 2025, the focus will be on the Cologne Messe/Deutz train station, as significant delays in rail traffic are expected there due to necessary switch repairs. Trains will have to move more slowly in the affected area, which will inconvenience travelers. It is currently not possible to estimate when the work will end, but those responsible are optimistic that the construction sites can be completed around 10 a.m., according to reports ksta.de.

The effects of the switch repairs affect numerous train connections. These include, among others:

• RE 1 (RRX): Aachen–Köln–Düsseldorf
• RE 5 (RRX): Koblenz–Bonn–Köln
• RE 7: Rheine–Münster–Köln
• RE 8: Mönchengladbach–Köln
• RE 9: Aachen–Köln
• RE 22: Köln–Euskirchen
• RB 24: Köln–Euskirchen
• RB 25: Köln–Overath
• RB 26: Köln Messe/Deutz–Köln
• RB 27: Mönchengladbach–Köln
• RB 38: Köln Messe/Deutz–Bedburg
• RB 48: Wuppertal-Oberbarmen–Köln
• S 6: Köln-Worringen–Köln
• S 11: Bergisch-Gladbach–Köln
• S 12: Au (Sieg)–Köln
• S 19: Au (Sieg)–Köln

Additional problems in rail traffic

Deutsche Bahn's infrastructure is not only under pressure because of the current switch repairs. Loud deutschebahn.com Structural weaknesses and the situation in the first half of 2024 due to strikes and extreme weather led to an operating loss of 677 million euros. These figures show how urgently needed investments in rail infrastructure are.

Compared to 2023, there is a decrease of over 950 million euros, which makes the challenges facing DB all the more clear. Despite an increase in government funding for the rail network, pressure on punctuality and operations remains high. This problem is also compounded by the inconsistent travel experience that DB passengers experience. In long-distance transport, punctuality fell by around 7 percentage points to 62.7 percent in the first half of 2024.

Travel recommendations for commuters

Travelers should prepare for additional delays and adjust travel times if necessary. There are various sources of information for those affected, including the website WDR, which always provides current updates on the traffic situation. It remains to be hoped that the repair work will progress quickly and that punctuality in rail traffic will soon improve again.

Overall, it is clear that it is not just passengers who are affected by the switch repairs, but that the challenges in rail transport in Cologne require further changes and investments. The future of the railway depends not only on quick repairs, but also on a sophisticated plan to sustainably improve the infrastructure.