Bavarian Prison Construction Delayed as Contracts Cancelled

The new Bavarian prison (JVA) in Passau, whose construction began in October 2022, has become a troubled project after serious errors in electrical planning and installation were discovered. The flaws forced the reopening of already built walls and floors, invalidating the original schedule that aimed for handover in 2027.

The State Construction Office in Passau now estimates a cost overrun in the high double‑digit‑million‑euro range. The planning firm and the construction contractor have had their contracts terminated, and new planners are set to start in September. Bavarian Construction Minister Christian Bernreiter announced legal action to claim damages. Because of the extensive redesign and demolition work, the prison’s completion is now pushed to at least 2028, with no firm date yet. The facility will house 450 inmates, including about 100 deportation detainees, and will become the third such centre after Eichstätt and Hof.