Railway expansion in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania moves forward: More speed for Ludwigslust - Parchim train connection

Photo: DB AG

Press release of Deutsche Bahn AG

Shorter travel times in regional transport - Climate and environmentally friendly to the excursion region - More attractive connection to long-distance transport in the direction of Berlin and Hamburg

Berlin, 16 March 2023 Deutsche Bahn (DB) will begin modernising the Ludwigslust-Parchim railway line in Mecklenburg in March. This west-east connection is important for tourism in the region and to provide residents and commuters with a reliable, climate-friendly rail connection in the long term. The link with the Berlin-Hamburg main line in Ludwigslust strengthens rail transport as a whole.

"With the expansion measure, the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, together with DB, is ensuring a future-proof and modern rail infrastructure. After completion of the modernisation, passengers can look forward to an attractive connection to the district town of Parchim as well as to long-distance traffic at Ludwigslust station," says Daniel Bischof, Managing Director of VMV-Verkehrsgesellschaft Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

From March to December this year, construction work will be carried out at Neustadt-Glewe station. Access to the platforms will be made easier. A new 100-metre-long central platform is being built in the station in a different location, which can be used on both sides. Modern electronic interlocking technology will control the trains here in the future. After completion of the project in 2026, trains will then be able to travel at 100 km/h instead of 60 km/h. "The shorter journey times are particularly pleasing for train passengers between Neustadt-Glewe and Parchim and make the climate-friendly railway in south-western Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania much more attractive overall," says Alexander Kaczmarek, DB Group Representative for Berlin, Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

In detail, DB is building a new electronic signal box, renewing rails, sleepers, ballast and signals. In addition, two new points are being installed, the level crossings in Groß Laasch and Neustadt-Glewe are being adapted to the signalling technology and the superstructure, and the electrical power systems are being renewed.

Vegetation work and other preparatory measures for construction have already begun. The work on the tracks and platform will not affect train services until 25 September to 4 December 2023, when the line will have to be closed. DB will provide information on rail replacement services in good time beforehand. In 2025/2026, around 16 kilometres of track will be renewed between Neustadt-Glewe and Parchim, nine level crossings adapted and seven culverts renewed.

The construction project is being financed from the Federal Government/DB performance and financing agreement and the Federal Government's climate protection package. The state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is funding this SPNV measure with over 17 million euros (75 per cent).

Information on the construction project: https://bauprojekte.deutschebahn.com/p/ludwigslust-neustadt-glewe

Information on road works and disruptions:

https://www.dbregio-mecklenburg-vorpommern.de/db-regio-mv/fahren/baustellen-und-stoerungen

Information on timetable changes due to construction:

https://bauinfos.deutschebahn.com/

News