Total closure between Cologne and Hagen: rail travel is at a standstill!

Total closure between Cologne and Hagen: rail travel is at a standstill!

Passengers in the region around Cologne have to prepare for ongoing restrictions on rail traffic. Deutsche Bahn has announced that the route between Hagen and Cologne will have to be closed for more than five months from February 6, 2026. This total closure lasting several months affects both long-distance and regional transport, including the popular ICE and freight trains. The measure is part of a comprehensive general renovation of the rail network in Germany, which aims to increase the punctuality and reliability of trains.

The work on the 65 kilometer long section includes the repair of tracks, switches and bridges. Twelve train stations along this important transport axis will also be modernized. This means that the railway is well on the way to sustainably improving the infrastructure and responding to future requirements. Long-distance transport will be rerouted during the closure and replacement buses will be available for commuters to maintain mobility. Out of Day24 It can be seen that only a few S-Bahn trains will run during the closure.

Important renovation measures

The renovation is not just a local, but a nationwide project, with the renewal of around 40 main routes planned by 2035. Ten of them are in North Rhine-Westphalia, like Ruhr24 reported. Work is currently underway between Emmerich and Oberhausen, which will last over a period of 80 weeks.

Further renovation work is planned for the period after the closure, such as work on the route between Troisdorf and Unkel from July 2026. Extensive construction work on various sections of the route in the region is also planned in 2028 and 2029. The measures are necessary to finally bring the rail infrastructure up to date and resolve the renovation backlog DB Engineering Consulting.

Positive perspectives

The planned renovation and modernization work should not only benefit travelers, but also benefit freight transport companies. The goal of this comprehensive renovation is a more efficient rail connection, which ultimately promises more punctuality and fewer cancellations. Even if the measures cause short-term inconvenience, they will ultimately help to optimize the entire rail network in Germany and make rail a more attractive travel option.

Deutsche Bahn and the construction companies involved are facing major challenges, but the cooperative approach taken during implementation is intended to keep the impact on travelers as low as possible. Progress in rail infrastructure will not only be limited to everyday train traffic, but will also sustainably improve the quality of life in the region.