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Schönbuchbahn tracks collapsed – route between Böblingen and Holzgerlingen closed!
Tracks have collapsed on the Schönbuchbahn between Böblingen and Holzgerlingen. The route will remain closed until repairs are carried out.
Schönbuchbahn tracks collapsed – route between Böblingen and Holzgerlingen closed!
There is currently a significant incident on the Schönbuchbahn from Böblingen to Holzgerlingen: The tracks have sagged, which is due to shifts in the ground. According to a spokesman for the Württemberg Railway Company (WEG), the route between Holzgerlingen and Dettenhausen remains closed for the time being. This decision was taken after unexpected earth movements were detected between the said stations. Train services are currently suspended in this area but are expected to resume from October 10 after repair work is completed. The WEG suspects that geological features, particularly “flowing earth”, are the cause of the problem. This type of soil can cause looser parts of the soil to slide on the surface.
Similar problems with sagging ground have also occurred in other places on the Schönbuchbahn. In the past, such difficulties could usually be solved by adding ballast to the track bed. However, the earth movements associated with the track problems came as a surprise to the WEG and it remains to be seen whether long-term measures are required to prevent future difficulties. It should be noted that the Schönbuchbahn is over 100 years old and has repeatedly struggled with problems in the past.
New trainsets on the route
Despite the disruptions, the “Nexio” electric railcar, which serves the route between Böblingen and Dettenhausen every 15 minutes, has started operating since Saturday, June 4, 2025. These new 455 series multiple units, manufactured by Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) in the 2020/2021 construction years, are part of the Schönbuchbahn's comprehensive electrification project. This reactivation resulted in a projected increase in ridership to more than 10,000 daily.
The 455 series includes a total of 12 multiple units that were specifically designed for the Schönbuchbahn. They are equipped with modern technologies, including air conditioning and passenger information systems. The use of these new electric trains represents a significant step forward for regional rail transport, as the electrification of the route took four years. Travelers had to wait a long time for the operating license for the new trains, which was initially unclear due to incorrect brake sizing.
Environmental impacts and future challenges
In the context of railway infrastructure construction, the environmental impacts are also important. A study carried out by the Federal Office of Transport (BAV) has shown that emissions from the construction of railway infrastructure are significant. For an average Swiss railway route of 1 km, the emissions correspond to the per capita emissions of four people per year. For special construction projects, such as the construction of a double-track tunnel, this value can increase to the annual emissions of 11.5 people. Improvements are possible through more careful planning and increased use of renewable energy sources, which also highlights the challenges facing railway construction today.
In summary, the Schönbuchbahn is currently affected by unexpected earth movements, while at the same time a new era of electric rail transport has begun. Developments in this area will continue to be monitored closely to ensure the safety and efficiency of regional public transport.