Berlin-Hamburg rail line to close for 9 months, sparking fears of travel chaos

Germany is bracing for what has been described as "hell for travellers" as the critical railway line connecting Berlin and Hamburg is set to be completely shut down for nine months starting August 1.

The full closure, aimed at facilitating extensive modernisation works, is expected to severely disrupt daily commutes and regional connectivity across northern Germany, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The renovation will leave vast parts of Brandenburg and Mecklenburg–West Pomerania virtually cut off from the national railway network. Approximately 30,000 passengers rely on this line each day, many of whom commute to Berlin or Hamburg for work. What was once a manageable 90-minute journey could now stretch to over two hours—or longer—due to detours and alternative routes.

Unlike previous upgrades, where at least one track remained operational to maintain a reduced level of service, the sheer scale of the planned works has necessitated a full closure. Authorities have justified the decision by pointing to the urgency and complexity of the infrastructure overhaul, part of a broader federal initiative to modernise nearly 40 key railway corridors by the mid-2030s.

As a vital corridor for both national and international rail services—with passenger trains reaching up to 230 km/h—the Hamburg–Berlin line faces heavy daily usage.

By Vafa Guliyeva