The S 11 picks up speed
Cologne node update: two projects, one goal
More frequent service in the conurbation and modern infrastructure in the area - with the expansion of the S 11 and the electrification of the Eifel line, go.Rheinland and its partners are driving forward two key projects for the mobility turnaround.
Proximity to citizens, accessibility and new lines: The expansion is taking shape
The S 11/main line is the driving force behind the future S-Bahn system in the greater Cologne area - and is now noticeably picking up speed: Between Cologne and Bergisch Gladbach, an almost 5-minute interval is to become possible during rush hour. Today there is a train every 20 minutes. Planning is in full swing to ensure that this increased frequency is achieved: new S-Bahn platforms at Cologne Central Station and Messe/Deutz station are part of the project.
The planning approval procedure is already underway at the Federal Railway Authority for all four planning sections.
"With the S 11, DB and we can reap the rewards of years of partnership-based work and early involvement of stakeholders and the public. Together, we have managed to ensure that only a double-digit number of submissions were received for the Deutz and main station planning sections. By comparison, there were many thousands for Stuttgart 21."
Thanks to public information events and an accompanying online dialog, DB and go.Rheinland were able to take up suggestions and questions at an early stage. This transparent approach not only created trust, but also helped to ensure that the process progressed quickly - an exemplary approach for major local transport projects. The barrier-free expansion of the Holweide, Dellbrück and Duckterath stops will also be realized as part of the project - a wish expressed by many members of the public.
In future, the S11will be supplemented by the new S10and S14lines, which will create additional capacity and further increase service density. Together with the expansion of the Westspange, the S11forms the backbone for more reliability, punctuality and capacity in the Cologne hub - and is therefore a central project for the mobility turnaround in the region.
"We need to invest and build now so that we can benefit from an improved and expanded infrastructure in the future."
Full speed ahead: Electrification of the Eifel line
The Eifel line is back - and it will be more modern than ever. Following the successful reconstruction of the line, which was severely damaged by the flood disaster, the next phase is now starting: electrification.
Work has been underway since fall 2024 to make rail transport between Hürth-Kalscheuren and Trier fit for the future. Further construction phases will be tackled from August 2025 - with the aim of creating a climate-friendly, efficient connection for commuters and tourists. This is made possible by the support of the states of Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia, which are jointly financing the project.
Full electrification is planned by 2028 - a real added value for the region. Passengers are already benefiting from continuous connections between Cologne and Gerolstein. And with every new signal, every modernized bridge and every metre of overhead line, the infrastructure is growing into a sustainable future.
"I am very pleased that we were able to modernize the railroad lines in the areas so badly affected by the flood disaster so quickly that trains can now run through the Eifel again. In just a few years, electrically powered trains will be able to be used here. This will give a real boost to the quality of operations and significantly increase the attractiveness of the Eifel route."
The 5th Cologne Rail Junction Conference in June 2025 provided an overview of the current project status and took place in the Congress Center North of Koelnmesse with a prominent line-up and around 350 guests.