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Cologne Central Station: Trains stand still - modernization from November 14th!
Deutsche Bahn is modernizing Cologne Central Station with a new signal box, which will lead to train cancellations from November 14, 2025.
Cologne Central Station: Trains stand still - modernization from November 14th!
A major technical change is imminent at Cologne Central Station! From November 14th, train traffic will largely be stopped for a total of ten days. The reason: the commissioning of a new electronic signal box, which is scheduled to officially go into operation from November 24th German railway reported.
The modernization of the control of train routes aims to increase efficiency and significantly improve processes in the station. In the future, manual operation will be replaced by digital control. This means that dispatchers work in front of screens with a computer mouse, which speeds up processes and reduces staffing requirements, according to the report IT Boltwise.
Diversion and restrictions on train traffic
However, the change will not be without impact on traffic. Regional and long-distance traffic will be rerouted during this time. Many long-distance trains, including some ICE connections, will stop in Cologne-Ehrenfeld or Cologne Messe/Deutz or will largely bypass the city. Only S-Bahn traffic remains largely unaffected by the changes, as it has been controlled digitally since 2021.
- Fernverkehr: Umleitungen und Haltausfälle für verschiedene ICE-Züge.
- Nahverkehr: Große Einschränkungen auf allen Linien außer S-Bahn und RB 25.
- Regionalzüge (RE 1, RE 5, RE 6, RE 7, RE 8, RE 9, RE 22, RB 24, RB 26, RB 27, RB 38, RB 48) sind ebenfalls betroffen.
During commissioning, replacement rail services are only planned sporadically at night. To assist travelers during this transition, additional service staff will be provided. The detailed timetable changes will be published two weeks before construction begins.
Technical innovations for the future
Deutsche Bahn has invested a total of around 360 million euros in the new electronic signal boxes in Cologne. These investments are part of a comprehensive renovation program that also includes modernization in the areas of Cologne-Mülheim, Bonn Bad Godesberg, Bonn Hbf, Roisdorf, Sechtem, Brühl and Aachen. The new systems will control over 1,300 trains daily, representing a significant step towards better reliability and punctuality in rail transport Digital rail Germany summarizes.
To make the transition seamless, commissioning work will begin from November 13th. Massive technical tests of the new systems will also be carried out on this day, so that full operations can take place again from November 24, 2025.
The change at Cologne Central Station shows how important advanced technology is in the rail industry. With a view to the future, not only will operations be optimized, but travel will also be made more pleasant and smoother for passengers.