15. September 2025, 10:35 o'Clock
Hamburg/Berlin
Article: General overhauls Hamburg-Berlin: DB Cargo secures supply chains despite diversions
During the refurbishment of the 278 km route, DB Cargo is relying on diversions and additional measures to enable transport operations even under difficult conditions.
General overhauls Hamburg-Berlin: a challenge for freight transport
Since 1 August 2025, the Hamburg-Berlin railway line has been closed for extensive General overhauls. The 278-kilometre-long corridor will be modernised in three construction phases by 30 April 2026. This means that one of the most important axes in the German rail network will be temporarily closed to both passenger and freight traffic.
This poses a particular challenge for DB Cargo: around 200 freight trains per week normally use this connection to the port of Hamburg. A replacement service like the one used for passenger transport is not feasible for rail freight transport - the volumes and logistical requirements are too great.
Diversions and additional measures in place
DB Cargo has planned three diversion routes to ensure that customers are supplied in the best possible way during the closure. These will lead to indirect routes of 70 to 190 kilometres per train. Several measures have been prepared to ensure that transports can still be carried out:
- Training train drivers for the new routes
- Additional locomotives and wagons as well as additional personnel in operations
- Customised supply concepts for customers with sidings on the affected route
The extensive preparations paid off! Apart from a few teething problems, the concepts are resilient and work.
Investment in the viability for the future of the railway
The General overhaul of involves considerable effort and additional costs for DB . At the same time, it is a necessary investment in the future: the Hamburg-Berlin route is one of the most heavily used corridors in Germany and is of central importance for freight transport from eastern Germany and eastern Europe to the port of Hamburg.
By April 2026, DB will be renewing the route, including
- over 165 kilometres of track
- almost 250 points
- modern interlocking and signalling systems
- new train radio masts for the future FRMCS system
With the prepared diversions, additional use of materials and close coordination with all partners, DB Cargo is also ensuring reliable supply chains during the renovation phase. At the same time, the modernisation will make the Hamburg-Berlin axis noticeably more efficient and offer even better conditions for strong rail freight transport in the future.
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