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Diversions and restrictions: Cologne main station facing major changes!
Find out everything about the planned diversions at Cologne Central Station from November 14th to 24th, 2025 and the changes to train traffic.
Diversions and restrictions: Cologne main station facing major changes!
From November 14th things will go haywire in Cologne! Cologne Central Station will be rerouted until November 24th, and that will have a significant impact on train traffic. Loud WDR The trains are mainly routed via Deutz train station. Long-distance connections are canceled or do not stop at the main station, with the exception of RE 25, which will continue to stop there. Regional trains are also affected, but there are alternatives through S-Bahn and the Cologne transport company (KVB).
It is recommended to keep a close eye on the timetables, as there will only be a replacement rail service during the nights when the main station is closed to S-Bahn trains. The upcoming commissioning of a new, electronic signal box aims to make train traffic at the main station more stable and reliable. After all, we have around 1,300 train movements here every day!
Behind the scenes: The technology
What is actually behind this challenge? In the last four years, 176 new signals, 208 renewed switches and an impressive 208 kilometers of cable were laid. These new technical facilities will not only be used at the main station, but also at the Cologne-West, Ehrenfeld, Nippes and Deutz stations in order to better control traffic.
German railway projects show that work is not only being done on the signal boxes. In addition to the diversions, extensive timetable changes will also be made on several long-distance and local transport lines until the end of 2028. The DB is investing a total of almost 22 million euros, mainly financed by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia as part of the “Robust Network” package of measures, in order to significantly increase flexibility in train traffic. 25 new signals will be installed to allow trains to travel on tracks in both directions.
Financial framework conditions
The topic of investments is a high priority for Deutsche Bahn. Between 2011 and 2024, billions were invested in infrastructure. Loud Statista These investments will be continued to improve the punctuality and resilience of the rail network. To this end, 30 projects to reduce disruptions in the railway network are also being funded. This shows that the railway is not just changing course, but is also fully committed to rail transport!
The renewal of the railway infrastructure in Cologne is expected to continue in the region until the end of 2027, including technical updates for the signal boxes in Bergisch Gladbach and Altenkirchen. The renewal of the left bank of the Rhine, which includes cities such as Bonn Bad-Godesberg, Brühl and Roisdorf, is planned for 2028. However, the DB estimates that the new signal box will not lead to an increase in train handling at the main station - the main thing is to create more stability for travelers.
We remain curious to see how train traffic in the cathedral city will develop in the coming months. So, be careful and always keep an eye on the latest information!