Stuttgart 21 station to lack air conditioning despite public criticism

Deutsche Bahn (DB) is facing public criticism regarding the Stuttgart 21 infrastructure project after explaining why the new underground station will not feature air conditioning. In a video released online, technical project management representative René Krull stated that the station's design relies on its deep underground location to maintain relatively constant temperatures.

According to DB, the massive structure and its integration into the earth allow components to adopt the surrounding ground temperature. Additionally, the station's position at the lowest point of the Stuttgart basin is intended to facilitate natural cooling, as air flowing through connected upward-sloping tunnels is expected to cool and descend into the station. The movement of trains is also expected to assist in air exchange.

Social media users have responded with skepticism and mockery, particularly noting the project's repeated delays, with the opening now pushed to late 2031. Critics have raised concerns about potential heat buildup caused by the waste heat from electric locomotives and high-speed trains, questioning why existing underground S-Bahn stations currently experience high temperatures and poor air quality.