Madsen demands urgent Hamburg-Flensburg rail renovation

Schleswig-Holstein Transport Minister Claus Ruhe Madsen is calling for the urgent renovation of the Hamburg-Flensburg railway line. Expressing concern over the poor condition of the tracks, Madsen urged Deutsche Bahn to schedule a general overhaul of this corridor as soon as the hinterland connection for the Fehmarnbelt crossing is completed.

The Fehmarnbelt tunnel, designed to connect the German island of Fehmarn with the Danish island of Lolland, is currently facing delays of at least two years. Consequently, the completion of the necessary hinterland connections is expected to extend beyond 2029.

In response to challenges with large-scale construction projects, Deutsche Bahn chief Evelyn Palla announced plans to revise the scheduling of general renovations on major routes. The company is currently coordinating a new concept with the Federal Ministry of Transport, which may involve conducting two to three major renovations per year depending on technical necessity.