The project involves constructing a 14km line from Laim in the west to Leuchtenbergring in the east running parallel the existing line, which carries up to 60 trains an hour and has reached its capacity limit, with a 7km twin-bore tunnel between Donnersbergerbrücke and Munich East Station.

Three new underground stations are planned at Munich Main Station, Marienhof, and Munich East. 

The latest EBA approval covers the eastern section of the tunnel. Last June the EBA gave the go-ahead for the 5.3km western section and a construction permit was granted at the end of 2013 for the central section from the River Isar to Marienhof station.

The €3bn project is due to be completed in 2025.