Large train station: Expansion of the Hanau-Aschaffenburg route starts now!

Large train station: Expansion of the Hanau-Aschaffenburg route starts now!

On October 29, 2025, Deutsche Bahn (DB InfraGO) presented new feasibility studies on the expansion of the route between Hanau and Aschaffenburg and the Mainaschaff curve. This project is currently in the basic investigation phase and is still in an early planning phase. The DB's goal is to eliminate the existing bottlenecks in the rail network, increase train traffic and at the same time shorten travel times. The need is great: the double-track line between Hanau and Aschaffenburg is heavily utilized and is literally crying out for relief.

To achieve this, Deutsche Bahn is planning to expand the section from Großauheim to Mainaschaff-Steinerts to four tracks. As part of this expansion, the existing infrastructure will also be upgraded so that trains can run at speeds of up to 230 km/h in the future. This also includes investigating how the connection from Rauschwald and Mainaschaff can be designed without heights. These measures are important because all level crossings and bridges must be adapted or even rebuilt for the four-track expansion.

Project horizon and financing

However, the progress of this project depends heavily on the financial resources in the federal budget. Deutsche Bahn is synonymous with improving the infrastructure, and this is also underlined by the federal government, which is planning to invest 166 billion euros in infrastructure by 2029, with around 107 billion euros expected to flow into rail. The goal is to specifically renovate dilapidated railway lines and motorway bridges and to increase transport investments by around 60 percent compared to the years 2020 to 2024. In the long term, such projects should help to increase punctuality and reliability in train traffic, even if travelers have to expect construction sites and restrictions during the transition period, as Tagesschau reports.

An important part of the project is the feasibility study on the Mainaschaff curve. It is being investigated here whether it is possible to lay one of the two tracks in a trough or tunnel. These measures are not only innovative, but also necessary to meet growing traffic demands. The aim is to better connect the major cities of Frankfurt am Main and Würzburg, which is of great importance in the spirit of the Deutschlandtakt, as the advocacy group PRO BAHN Hessen emphasizes in its communication.

Outlook for the next steps

With the planned general renovation of over 40 heavily used routes and the conversion of numerous train stations into modern “train stations of the future”, Deutsche Bahn will achieve a lot by the mid-2030s. The first renovations have already been completed by Advent, and there are many more to come.

The detailed planning and the resulting steps are essential for the success of the overall Hanau-Aschaffenburg-Nantenbach measure. This project was separated from an originally larger project and has now earned its own place on Deutsche Bahn's agenda. As the overall project continues, additional information sessions will be held to keep the public updated on progress.

The next tasks are clear: DB must take care of financing, ensure the feasibility of the planned infrastructure adjustments and inform residents about what will happen next. The signs are good that a lot will happen here in the next few years!