Major railway upgrades between Obertraubling and Passau begin in 2026

Major renovation work on the railway line between Obertraubling and Passau is set to begin in 2026. The upgrades will take place in two phases, with preparations already underway for future technology improvements. Passenger and freight services will face temporary changes while the work is carried out. The project will start with corridor renovations in 2026. Signal boxes along the route will be replaced or modernised with electronic systems. Underground cabling and fibre-optic installation will also take place to support future upgrades.

During construction, local passenger trains will be replaced by buses. Freight traffic will be diverted via alternative routes, including Salzburg–Rosenheim–Munich and Kufstein–Rosenheim–Munich. Some freight trains may still operate on the single-track section between Passau and Plattling.

To reduce future disruptions, the government is bundling these upgrades with preparatory work for the European Train Control System (ETCS). This technology is planned for installation by 2030. By combining these measures, officials hope to avoid extra line closures later.

Additional long-distance services will be introduced between Munich and Vienna via Salzburg and Simbach to help maintain connections during the work. The upgrades will modernise the Obertraubling–Passau line with new signalling and infrastructure. Passenger and freight services will adapt to temporary changes until the project completes. The final phase, including ETCS implementation, is expected by 2030.