280 million euros go for railways in North Rhine-Westphalia

Cologne-Deutz construction site will be the key project

The state of North Rhine-Westphalia is providing a total of approximately 280 million euros as part of its “Robust Network” package of measures to improve rail capacity and robustness. The main project will be the construction of a Cologne-Deutz transport hub.

In 2021, a record sum will flow through North Rhine-Westphalia's rail network and train stations  with nearly 1.9 billion euros to be invested in railway infrastructure. The pace of reconstruction and expansion in this sector is quickening, and this will continue in the coming years.

Hendrik Wüst, Minister of Transport for the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, said: “Germany must become a railway country again. In return, it is good that the federal, state and German railways are investing record sums in the railways. To ensure that the rail service remains as stable and reliable as possible during the construction period, we will invest around 280 million euros in addition in North Rhine-Westphalia over the next few years."

Fewer train delays and cancellations

One of the first measures from the “Robust Network I and II” investment packages will be implemented at the Cologne-Deutz construction site. The necessary modernisation of the Cologne transport hub is a key project for the creation of an attractive public transport system in North Rhine-Westphalia from which everyone will benefit - whether we talk about commuters, long-distance travelers or freight transport.

The new switch link in the Deutz-Mülheimer Straße bridge area is a significant project from the “Robust Network” package of measures. It adds further entry points into the Cologne Messe / Deutz station in the congested Cologne railway junction. By the end of the decade, Deutsche Bahn plans to replace five bridges over Deutz-Mülheimer Strasse.

In total, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia is funding about 30 projects aimed at reducing the impact of railway network disruptions on passengers. More flexibility on the tracks, more alternate solutions on building sites, emergency medical services on trains, and technological issues are all part of the package of steps. As a result, train delays and cancellations will be reduced.