German Transport Authority Slams Deutsche Bahn Over Disruptive Construction Site

The Lower Saxony Transport Authority (LNVG) has issued strong criticism against Deutsche Bahn (DB) over a construction site announced with insufficient notice on a crucial alternate route. The LNVG stated that DB plans to close a suburban rail track near Ehlershausen in the Hannover region from June 22 to July 5. This closure is particularly problematic as it occurs during DB's ongoing "quality offensive" aimed at improving services between Hannover and Hamburg.

DB attributed the extended construction to a last-minute discovery of necessary work in Ehlershausen. They claimed that by the time this was known, plans for replacement services during the quality offensive were already finalized. This explanation has done little to appease the LNVG. Carmen Schwabl, the LNVG's managing director, expressed significant frustration, stating, "This construction site will significantly worsen the replacement transport between Celle and Hannover. This is very annoying." She added that the information was provided too late for adequate adjustments.

During the construction period, three S-Bahn lines between Hannover and Celle will be affected. The S61 line will be entirely canceled. The S7 will operate only between Lehrte and Hannover until 10 p.m., resuming its full route between Celle and Hannover during night services. A temporary line, S77, will be introduced to serve the route between Celle and Lehrte, making all stops and connecting with regional express services and the S3 line in Lehrte. The S6 line will not stop at Ehlershausen and Otze in either direction, and minor schedule adjustments are expected across the entire route.

The LNVG is questioning DB's internal coordination processes. "How is it possible that we were not informed about this construction site during the planning for the replacement services?" Schwabl asked. The authority is demanding better preparation from DB for future large-scale projects, emphasizing that the infrastructure company DB InfraGo needs to prioritize the impact on passengers more effectively. The LNVG noted that while the current replacement bus services for the main construction project have been generally reliable, this additional disruption highlights a need for improved planning and communication.