Stuttgart 21 opening pushed to end‑2021 with €3 billion cost overrun

Germany’s Stuttgart 21 rail hub will now not be operational until the end of 2031, extending the project by at least five years. The delay follows technical problems such as wrongly installed cables and alleged lax handling of higher standards.

Transport Minister Nicole Razavi, a long‑time supporter of the scheme, described the shortcomings as “real failure” and said the railway operator must be held accountable. She announced that the ministry will monitor the project more closely, while still backing its overall goal.

The railway company now estimates an extra €3 billion in expenses, raising the total cost of Stuttgart 21 to roughly €14.5 billion.