Rail service Between Hamburg and Hanover Disrupted After Overhead Line Damage
train service between hamburg and Hanover is facing meaningful delays and cancellations, expected to last “at least to the end of the day,” after a freight train damaged the overhead line near Uelzen and Bad Bevensen on Sunday evening. Both tracks are blocked, impacting one of Germany’s busiest rail corridors. Deutsche Bahn initially estimated repairs would be completed by the afternoon, while an internal disorder card suggested an evening resolution; the private railway company Metronom anticipated lunchtime completion.
The disruption affects commuters and long-distance travelers alike. The damage,reported at 10:17 p.m. on Sunday, was caused by a ”headline” – likely referring to a component of the freight train – protruding into the track profile. The incident underscores ongoing infrastructure challenges on the Hamburg-Hannover line, where discussions about constructing a parallel route have stalled for decades.
Local residents and SPD finance minister Lars Klingbeil have advocated for expansion of the existing route, a proposal Deutsche bahn deems insufficient.Meanwhile, Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder recently presented Evelyn Palla, the new head of Deutsche Bahn, with lowered punctuality targets.
