Overview
- A software fault found before the planned 2025 start forced a cancellation and further tests, and Deutsche Bahn has now fixed an eleven-day closure from 8 to 19 January 2027 to bring the new system into service.
- During the shutdown regional and long-distance traffic at Köln Hauptbahnhof will be suspended while Fernverkehr tracks 11 and 12 at Köln Messe/Deutz remain open and S‑Bahn services continue to run.
- Deutsche Bahn says the delay stems from additional technical adjustments with the interlocking manufacturer and the need to find a window that fits other national construction schedules.
- DB InfraGo will use the stoppage to carry out planned renovation, new-build and demolition work at the Köln node so multiple complex projects are completed in one concentrated interruption.
- The closure affects a major hub that handles about 1,300 trains and hundreds of thousands of passengers daily; the operator has apologized for disruption and faced sharp criticism from NRW transport minister Oliver Krischer.