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Deutsche Bahn Finalizes Bergen Alignment for 2029 HamburgHannover Overhaul

Pending autumn consultations, the plan couples a track renovation with a new two-track Bergen line before an early-2026 Bundestag funding vote

Zwischen Hamburg und Hannover fährt die Bahn seit Jahrzehnten lange Verspätungen ein – die Strecke ist überlastet
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Ein Auto und ein Zug fahren an einem gelb-roten "x" auf einer Wiese vorbei
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Overview

  • The HamburgHannover corridor operates at 147 percent capacity, making it one of Germany’s most overloaded and delay-prone routes.
  • Deutsche Bahn has settled on a dual approach for 2029 that pairs a comprehensive overhaul of the existing line with a new two-track route via Bergen in Landkreis Celle.
  • After assessing 29 route variants and weighing four against nearly 200 technical, environmental and regional criteria, the Bergen alignment emerged as the preferred option.
  • Local and regional officials in Lower Saxony, including Harburg’s Landrat Rainer Rempe, have condemned the plans as violating prior agreements and disregarding community concerns.
  • The project is set for detailed consultations this autumn, with Deutsche Bahn aiming to secure Bundestag funding for the planning approval process in early 2026.