Further Delays Reported for Stuttgart 21 Opening

The City of Stuttgart states that it was informed by Deutsche Bahn on Wednesday morning of a potential further delay in the commissioning of Stuttgart 21. In response, Stuttgart’s Lord Mayor, Dr Frank Nopper, has called for a special steering committee to be convened immediately.

The Stuttgart 21 project is being developed by Deutsche Bahn in cooperation with several partners, including the European Union, the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, the state of Baden-Württemberg, the Verband Region Stuttgart, and the City of Stuttgart.

The major development project involves replacing the city’s above-ground terminus station with a new underground through station, upgrading rail infrastructure, and improving connections to national and international routes. The project also includes modernising tracks, implementing digital signalling systems, and integrating the surrounding urban area.

Earlier this year, its opening was delayed until 2026. Now, that target also appears to be in jeopardy.

The City of Stuttgart proposed steering committee aims to provide a forum for obtaining clear and reliable information on the current status of the project from Deutsche Bahn.

Lord Mayor Dr Nopper said:

This morning we received the bad news of a further delay from Deutsche Bahn.

Deutsche Bahn must now come clean and say openly and honestly what it can and cannot implement. In any case, the digitalisation of DB’s rail infrastructure must now be given top priority.

Together with the Verband Region Stuttgart, I am calling for the immediate convening of a special steering committee in accordance with the steering committee’s rules of procedure, chaired by the DB CEO and the Minister President of the state of Baden-Württemberg.