German Mega-Project Stuttgart 21 Faces New Delays Amid Cable Blunder

Germany's ambitious Stuttgart 21 rail project, a high-profile and controversial undertaking, is once again facing significant delays. Latest reports suggest the underground through-station may not open until late 2031, a stark contrast to previous plans.

Sources close to the project, cited by Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, indicate a bizarre new issue: over a thousand kilometers of cables and cable conduits were allegedly installed incorrectly. This significant oversight means a large portion of the expensive and extensive cable infrastructure must be completely removed and replaced, adding considerable time and cost.

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put all cards on the table

Deutsche Bahn, the national railway company, has declined to comment on these specific allegations, referring to them as speculation. However, a report by broadcaster SWR has shed light on the peculiar nature of the latest setback. The railway company has not yet officially commented on the cable issue, directing inquiries to a press conference scheduled for late June.

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public laughingstock

The situation has sparked anger and sharp political reactions in the state of Baden-Württemberg. State Premier Cem Özdemir has publicly demanded that Deutsche Bahn's leadership "put all cards on the table." He expressed frustration with recurring delays and cost overruns, insisting that the project must eventually be completed. Özdemir is now strictly demanding reliable data and precise answers regarding the timelines for individual phases and the overall project completion.

Özdemir noted that Stuttgart 21 is becoming a "public laughingstock" and referenced the infamous temporary pedestrian detour, already nicknamed the "hiking trail," leading from the platforms to the city. He emphasized that the project's successful realization is a test of the capabilities of the city, state, and the entire Federal Republic of Germany, urging them not to "sink into the ground with shame."

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sink into the ground with shame