The enhanced scope of the project has been agreed by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) and DB.

Contracts for initial planning for the Mannheim - Karlsruhe project were tendered by DB Network at the beginning of the month. These include route finding and the technical feasibility of possible large-scale variants for two additional tracks along the Baden Rhine Valley Railway between Mannheim and Karlsruhe. The contracts are expected to be awarded by the beginning of 2020.

The project will investigate ways to increase capacity for both passenger and freight services between Mannheim and Karlsruhe, along with the possibility of installing new lines to the Mannheim and Karlsruhe nodes.

A preferred option will only be selected once all options have been investigated.

Mannheim node

BMVI is also exploring a range of large scale options to optimise rail traffic flows through Mannheim, a key hub for freight and passenger operation, including both above ground and tunnelling options.

The preferred option will have to meet requirements to reduce bottlenecks and travel times, increase profits and have a favourable cost-benefit ratio. Following the completion of the study, DB Network will tender planning contracts for the project.

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