Deutsche Bahn rail modernisation shuts major lines in NRW and Lower Saxony

Deutsche Bahn is carrying out extensive modernisation work on several key railway routes in Germany, leading to prolonged closures and reduced service. In North Rhine‑Westphalia, sections between Düsseldorf, Wuppertal, Hagen and Cologne are blocked, with the S‑Bahn line between Düsseldorf and Hagen fully closed until 12 June. Replacement bus services are operating, but commuters face longer travel times and crowded buses.

A separate closure affects the line between Lüneburg and Dannenberg in Lower Saxony, which remains shut until mid‑June. The suspension hampers access to the Wendland cultural festival, forcing visitors to seek alternative transport.

Both disruptions are part of Deutsche Bahn’s “general renovation” program to renew tracks, switches, overhead lines and stations, aimed at improving long‑term reliability of the network.