Train services disrupted between Bochum and Essen after vandalism

Vandalism caused widespread rail disruption between Bochum and Essen on the morning of Aug. 31, affecting passengers across parts of the Ruhr region and beyond.

The disruption affects the main long-distance route between Dortmund and Essen. ICE trains that normally stop at Bochum Hauptbahnhof are being diverted in both directions, and the Bochum stop has been canceled. Deutsche Bahn said the diversions would add about 15 minutes to journeys.

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The reason is vandalism.

Regional services have also been hit. The RE1, RE6, RE11, RE16 and RB49 lines, as well as S-Bahn line 1, face cancellations, partial cancellations or delays. RE1, RE6 and RE11 trains are being rerouted between Essen and Dortmund, stopping at Gelsenkirchen and Herne while skipping Wattenscheid and Bochum.

Passengers on several routes have been told to use replacement buses. RE16 trains from Hagen terminate and begin at Bochum, leaving a gap between Bochum and Essen. The same arrangement applies to RE40 services from Hagen. Deutsche Bahn said staff were working intensively to resolve the fault, with repairs intended to finish by midday, although the disruption could last into the early evening.

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Our staff on site are working intensively to resolve the disruption.