- Lack of additional rail track for the Hamburg-Hannover route
There won't be any additional tracks added, like increasing it to three or four lanes, during the 2029 modernization of the overloaded Hamburg-Hannover railway line. A representative from Deutsche Bahn in Uelzen stated, "We're not considering adding a third or fourth track as part of the overhaul." However, they did mention plans for a dual-track section in Lüneburg and a passing track in Bienenbüttel. They aimed to improve punctuality.
The line closures for this extensive work will last for five months in 2029. A first closure is already scheduled for ten weeks starting May 1, 2026, which includes renovating about 100 kilometers of tracks and 70 switches.
The Hamburg-Hannover line is vital for freight traffic
This 163-kilometer-long line connecting Hamburg and Hannover is significant for both passengers and international freight traffic, according to Bahn data. One-fourth of all freight wagons in Germany travel to or from Hamburg.
However, the old infrastructure is now causing problems. In July 2024, punctuality on this heavily used line was only 56%, lower than the national average (62%).
Lower Saxony's Minister of Transport, Olaf Lies (SPD), suggested expanding the line to three or even four tracks. The Bahn representative mentioned that discussions for expanding connections in the Hamburg-Bremen-Hannover triangle are ongoing in parallel. The results of the 2040 traffic forecast are anticipated for this decision. For now, the number of trains between Hamburg and Hannover is so high that punctuality cannot be guaranteed. "We certainly need additional tracks between Hamburg and Hannover," said the representative.
Lower Saxony's Greens and VCD Niedersachsen argue for a brand new construction of the line. They see the need to increase the number of trains between Hamburg and Hannover, which can transport more passengers. Communications and talks regarding this are reportedly ongoing with Lower Saxony's state government, even without the general overhaul.
During the ten weeks in 2026 and from February to July 2029, most long-distance trains will be rerouted via Bremen, according to DB project manager Dieter Olliges. Yet, he couldn't provide the extended travel time information. This project is similar to the current renovation of the Hamburg-Berlin line, which extends travel time by approximately 45 minutes till December 14.
As part of the 2026 Hamburg-Hannover line modernization project, new tracks will also be added at Uelzen and Lüneburg stations. The Bahn representative stated that the improvements will be noticeable at the stations, in the train, and in punctuality. The first phase of the project in 2026 will cost around 300 million euros, and the Bahn anticipates a billion euros for 2029.
Nationwide, approximately 4,000 kilometers of tracks are planned for general overhauls. Recently, the Flensburg-Hamburg line has also been included in these plans in northern Germany.
DB Bauinfoportal for the Hamburg-Hannover project
The representative from Deutsche Bahn announced that apart from the additions in Lüneburg and Bienenbüttel, they will focus on a general refurbishment during the Hamburg-Hannover line modernization in 2029. This extensive refurbishment is crucial to improve the line's overall condition and contribute to better punctuality.
