DB InfraGO’s Anhalter Bahn Construction: Berlin-Munich ICE Impacts

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Introduction

DB InfraGO will undertake significant construction work on the Anhalter Bahn between Berlin Südkreuz and Bitterfeld from 24 September to 13 December, impacting a 130-km section of the Berlin–Leipzig/Halle (Saale)–Erfurt–Munich ICE line. The project includes the installation of 33 new switches and the refurbishment of 59 others, along with extensive track renewal.

Construction Scope and Timeline

The scheduled construction works on the Anhalter Bahn will commence on 24 September and are slated for completion by 13 December. These works encompass a 130-km stretch of the ICE line connecting Berlin, Leipzig/Halle (Saale), Erfurt, and Munich. A key part of the project involves the installation of 33 new switches and the refurbishment of an additional 59. Furthermore, approximately 100 km of track will undergo complete renewal, with another 38 km being refurbished. The aim is to have the line construction-free for the following three years after the December timetable change.

Preparatory Works

Preparations for this construction phase started in 2024. During this time, ten switches and 19 km of track have already been renewed on the Bitterfeld–Lutherstadt Wittenberg section. An additional 20 km of track and 15 switches will also be added. Parallel to the main project, work will be carried out in Berlin to connect the new Dresden Railway (Dresdner Bahn), starting from 24 October.

Service Disruptions

Due to the scale of the construction, the associated logistical complexities, and the need for coordinated efforts, a complete closure of the line is unavoidable for both regional and long-distance rail services. Long-distance trains between Berlin and Munich will continue to operate at least once per hour, but they will be diverted. This will result in extended journey times between Leipzig or Halle (Saale) and Berlin, with delays ranging from 45 to 60 minutes. The long-distance service between Frankfurt and Berlin via Kassel will remain unaffected. Direct connections between Frankfurt–Erfurt–Berlin will be suspended during the works. Long-distance trains will not stop at Berlin Südkreuz; instead, they will be partially rerouted via Berlin Ostkreuz, which will affect regional services on the Berlin Stadtbahn. Lutherstadt Wittenberg will be omitted as a stop for long-distance trains.

Alternative Transport

In regional transport, several services in Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt will be replaced by buses. This will affect six regional lines, as well as S-Bahn lines S2 and S8 on the Bitterfeld–Lutherstadt Wittenberg section. Deutsche Bahn requests that all passengers and customers be understanding of the necessary disruptions.

Conclusion

From 24 September to 13 December, DB InfraGO will carry out construction on the Anhalter Bahn between Berlin Südkreuz and Bitterfeld, impacting a 130-km section of the Berlin–Leipzig/Halle (Saale)–Erfurt–Munich ICE line. The work includes renewing tracks, replacing switches, and refurbishing existing infrastructure, requiring a complete closure of the line for both regional and long-distance services. Alternative transport options, such as bus replacements, will be implemented to mitigate the disruptions. After the project is completed, the line will be construction-free for the next three years.

Company Summary

DB InfraGO:

DB InfraGO is responsible for maintaining and developing the railway infrastructure in Germany.

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