AMIT ALHAT, Editor, dpaTIN24
15.11.2025, 11:03
COLOGNE – Cologne’s main train station, one of Germany’s busiest transport hubs, has halted all long-distance and regional train services for 10 days starting Friday, as rail operator Deutsche Bahn initiates construction for a new signal box.
The closure, affecting the heart of the million-strong city’s rail network, will last until the morning of November 24.
Travellers can still access Cologne Central Station via underground or suburban commuter trains (S-Bahn) during this period. However, the planned commissioning of the new electronic signal box has been postponed to next year after Deutsche Bahn discovered software errors at the eleventh hour.
“The error, which was only identified at short notice, was not foreseeable,” a Deutsche Bahn spokesperson stated, emphasizing that resolving the software issue is now the top priority.
Matthias Gramer, regional manager at InfraGo – Deutsche Bahn’s infrastructure subsidiary – confirmed a second closure will be required but assured passengers it will be shorter. “What we can already tell passengers is that the second closure will be shorter,” Gramer said.
Despite the setback, the current 10-day shutdown will proceed with preparatory works, including adapting signals, points, and overhead lines for the future signal box. The follow-up closure next year will focus primarily on dismantling outdated signals still in use, allowing for a quicker process.
Cologne Central Station handles over 280,000 passengers daily under normal operations, making it a critical node in Germany’s rail system. More than 50 new signal boxes are commissioned annually across the country, but issues at this high-profile location have drawn particular scrutiny.
Deutsche Bahn expressed regret over the disruptions at Cologne Central Station, pledging to minimize future impacts.
Author: The India News 24
TIN24 (The India News 24) The India News 24 (TIN24) is a Mumbai-based news Digital Media focusing on breaking news, local and regional issues in India, with content primarily in Marathi. It was established with an X (Twitter) presence since July 2022. Owner & News Editor: Amit Alhat Education: BA in Mass Communication Journalism (Graduate) Experience: 12 years in journalism Platforms: - Website: https://theindianews24.in - X (Twitter): https://x.com/the_indianews24 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theindianews247 - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theindianews_24
