THE troubled Stuttgart 21 project in southwestern Germany hit a new hurdle on November 19 with the revelation that the planned phased opening, starting in December 2026, has been cancelled.
Newly-installed German Rail (DB) CEO, Evelyn Palla, informed DB’s supervisory board that the 2026 date, only announced at the end of July, was no longer achievable. A new opening date has not been disclosed for the project, which involves creating a new underground through station to replace the surface level terminus.
The new station was originally scheduled to open in 2019, but the date has been pushed back several times. Local media reports suggest that the latest delay is due to problems related to the complex digital signalling system, a pilot for future schemes on the German network, as well as on-going construction issues.
Sources at DB suggest that a new opening date may not be confirmed until the middle of next year.
Software issue hits Cologne
Separately, a software issue identified on November 12 relating to the signalling system in and around Cologne main station in northwestern Germany, has resulted in the station’s closure to all long distance and regional services until a planned 10-day closure on November 24. According to local media, the installation of digital interlockings scheduled for the blockade will no longer proceed and will require another total closure of the station at a future date.
