Deutsche Bahn (DB) is making significant progress in its preparations for the general refurbishment of the Riedbahn, a key rail corridor between Frankfurt/Main and Mannheim. Following a Europe-wide tendering process, DB has awarded construction contracts for this pilot project to four companies: Leonhard Weiss GmbH & Co. KG, Spitzke SE, Swietelsky Baugesellschaft mbH and Siemens Mobility GmbH for the control and safety systems.
The overhaul of the Riedbahn involves extensive infrastructure work, including the renewal of some 120 kilometres of track, 150 points, 140 kilometres of overhead lines and the modernisation of all 20 stations along the route. This ambitious project aims to improve the performance of the railway.
DB has updated the cost plan for the Riedbahn modernization to include the conversion of the line to electronic interlocking technology and to take into account costs related to stations and efficient replacement services. The project's total cost is estimated at around €1.3 billion, of which €1.1 billion has been secured in the federal budget. This updated plan is in line with DB's additional funding requirements of €45 billion up to 2027.
The Riedbahn modernisation project plays a key role in DB's strategy to strengthen rail transport, increase its market share in rail freight and contribute to Germany's transport and climate policy goals. The project demonstrates the importance of pooling construction initiatives and developing rail infrastructure to meet growing demand.
