German infrastructure manager DB Networks has adapted the 210km line between Maschen and the Danish border at Padborg for longer trains in a €10m project which included modifications to the track layout at a number of locations as well as repositioning of axle counters and adjustments to protection systems at 29 level crossings.
835m-long trains have been operating in Denmark for some time, but until now the maximum train length permitted on the German section of the route was 670m.
DB Schenker Rail has ambitions to operate even longer trains and says a research project will be launched next year to examine the feasibility of introducing 1500m-long trains on the German network.
Full commercial operation of 835m-long trains between Maschen and Padborg will begin on December 9.
