The programme will begin immediately, with all work being commissioned and carried out by DB over the coming year. Funding will be provided by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI).
The programme will cover work such as:
- refurbishment of walls and flooring, including facades and interiors
- refurbishment of stairs, entrances, fences and roofs
- adding or expanding seating and waiting options
- removal of graffiti and other forms of vandalism
- improved passenger information
- improved accessibility, and
- energy-saving improvements including conversion of lighting to LED lighting and the replacement of heating systems
The programme will provide renovations to stations throughout Germany, including Siegen Central (€1.02m), Lübeck (€680,000), Karlsruhe (€555,000), Hamburg Central (€541,000), Nurenberg Central (€531,000), Hagen (€550,000) and Berlin Olympic Stadium (€400,000) among others.
In addition to offering more beautiful and comfortable train stations, it is hoped that the renovation scheme will provide an economic stimulus for the German economy in the face of the economic disruption of the coronavirus pandemic. The programme is particularly aimed at providing ‘shovel-ready’ projects to provide work for tradespeople.
It follows a separate €6bn Federal compensation scheme to support Germany’s local and regional public transport operators through the economic disruption, which was approved in August.
“More attractive train stations, strong craftsmanship, secure jobs. That is the core of our immediate program,” says Mr Andreas Scheuer, Federal Transport Minister. “Painters, scaffolders, electrical fitters and other local handicraft businesses can get started right away, and the winners are our medium-sized businesses and rail customers.”
“A strong railway needs attractive train stations,” says DB board member for infrastructure Mr Ronald Pofalla. “We are really getting off to a flying start with the federal economic stimulus programme and are beautifying 167 stations in a very short time. Travellers will benefit from a higher quality of stay and better information from the end of the year.”
