New long-distance station Cologne-Kalk: Future vision or utopia?

New long-distance station Cologne-Kalk: Future vision or utopia?

Kalk, Deutschland - In Cologne, a new chapter in traffic planning could soon be opened. Barbara Schock-Werner, once Cologne cathedral builder and since 2024 President of the Central Dom Building Association, has made a remarkable proposal: a new long-distance station in Cologne-Kalk. This vision is based on the urban planning considerations of the architect Paul Böhm and aims to organize long-distance traffic on the north-south axis in a bundled manner in the right bank of the Rhine. The Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger reports that the location for the new train station on the Kalker Feld is to be reported with an S-Bahn connection directly to the main station and in Downtown.

The current Cologne main station just doesn't come after. With only 10 tracks, it is designed for the growing traffic flows like a pedal boat in the storm. Barbara Schock-Werner draws a comparison to Düsseldorf, whose main train station offers 22 tracks and can therefore deal better with the challenges of long-distance transport. The new long -distance station in Kalk could not only reduce the pressure on the existing main train station, but also upgrade the Kalk district. "A new long-distance station would relieve the railway lines to the city center by 50 %," explains Schock-Werner.
While we are talking about this vision, a implementation and impact study is created in parallel; The results are expected for the summer of this year. The necessary steps for a project of this size should not be underestimated and require support from the new city council and Deutsche Bahn.

challenges and historical comparisons

The idea of ​​a new long -distance station is no accident. Historically, Konrad Adenauer had already wanted to move the main train station 100 years ago. Then as now, the need for better transport connections is undisputed. The Stuttgart case shows how long such projects can linger in planning: with years of preparatory work and numerous negotiations, a financing contract for Stuttgart 21 was signed in 2009, and construction only began in 2010. stuttgart.de reminds that a citizen forum has also been set up to search for the dialogue with the population.

The insights from Stuttgart could also be important for Cologne. A well -thought -out process that includes all stakeholders often results in sustainable success. Barbara Schock-Werner also emphasizes that potent investors are needed to promote project development. It is important to have a good hand when choosing and addressing partners, because this is the only way to become the vision of a new long -distance station.

urban development as a joint task

Future -oriented urban development is also on the agenda in other cities. In Stockholm, the passenger terminal Värtahamnen was designed as a functional hub for ferry, bus and change of change, with a generous lounge. C.F. Møller Architects have ensured that the space exudes clarity and a feeling of security. These approaches could be inspiring for planning a new train station in Kalk, because here too, quality of stay and functionality should go hand in hand.

The next few months will show whether the vision of a new long-distance station in Cologne-Kalk can be implemented in reality. It remains exciting whether the Cologne residents will find the necessary support and the right investors for this important project.