Rhine Valley Railway Services to Recommence Earlier Than Planned
The full length of the Rhine Valley Railway line (“Rheintalbahn”) will again be in operation as of October 2. Deutsche Bahn (DB) and the construction companies further optimized staffing and machinery logistics, which has made it possible to complete work earlier than planned.
Ronald Pofalla, Member of the Management Board of Deutsche Bahn for Infrastructure, said:
“In such a difficult situation, every day counts for our customers in the freight and passenger transportation sectors. It is therefore reassuring that we will complete the work earlier than expected”
Major Landslip at Rastatt
On August 12, driving work in a tunnel at Rastatt in southwest Germany resulted in water and earth collapsing into the uncompleted tunnel. The Rhine Valley Railway runs immediately above the tunnel, and the accident caused the line’s permanent way and tracks to sink considerably. Since then, passenger and freight services have been suspended on the section of this vital transport artery between Rastatt and Baden-Baden. Initial plans scheduled October 7 as the date for reopening.
Replacement Services for Freight Transportation
Organizing replacement services for freight transportation will remain one of our major tasks until the line reopens. The early reopening of the Stuttgart-Hattingen line (“Gäubahn”) on September 7 after construction work had been expedited relieves pressure somewhat.
In addition, approximately 70 additional train drivers are working in freight transport, primarily on routes to Italy via France and southern Germany. Some drivers have also joined us from neighboring countries’ rail companies. The challenge is that not only do these drivers need to have the requisite knowledge about our vehicles and routes; they must also have the relevant language skills.
Dr. Lutz added:
“My staff and I are in regular contact with rail operators in Switzerland, Austria and France. Our cooperation is working, and we are tremendously grateful for this”
Original article © DB.
FOR ALL THE LATEST INFORMATION, NEWS, IMAGES, VIDEOS AND ARTICLES ON ALL ASPECTS OF RAILWAY SERVICES, PLEASE CLICK HERE.
