German rail services face delays due to construction and vehicle shortages

Major railway infrastructure projects and vehicle delivery delays are causing significant disruptions to train services in Germany. The introduction of the RE 19 Express line (Rheingau Loreley Express), originally planned for December 2025, has been postponed to December 2026. This delay is attributed to extensive construction on the right Rhine line by DB InfraGO AG and late vehicle deliveries from Stadler to VIAS.

In 2026, the right Rhine line will face a five-month total closure during the second half of the year. Consequently, the RE 9 line will continue operating between Frankfurt Hbf and Eltville through late January 2026, but will face complete service suspensions from January 28, 2026, until December 12, 2026, due to construction at Frankfurt-Höchst and the general renovation of the Rhine line.

Additionally, infrastructure and bridge works by DB InfraGO will impact the Rheinhessen region in late August and September 2026. Services on lines RE 2, RE 3, RE 13, RB 31, and RB 33 will experience diversions via Frankfurt(Main) Höchst, resulting in canceled stops between Frankfurt Hbf and Mainz Hbf and the implementation of replacement bus services.