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Deutsche Bahn (DB) plans a direct train connection from Berlin to Oslo (2028+)

Posted by (Schwerin) on

I found this interesting.

"Starting in the summer of 2028, travelers shall be able to take a direct train from Berlin to the Norwegian capital Oslo, via Hamburg, the Danish capital Copenhagen, and Malmö and Gothenburg in Sweden. “We’re connecting three capitals by rail,” Michael Peterson, Deutsche Bahn’s executive in charge of long-distance rail, told Funke newspapers. For the direct connection, Deutsche Bahn will collaborate with the national railways of Norway and Denmark.

According to Deutsche Bahn, the journey is expected to take 14 to 15 hours. The route will be approximately 1,000 kilometers long, making it one of the longest in Europe. Two pairs of trains will operate the route daily. The new ICE L will be used on the new connection. The direct connection is one of ten pilot projects by the European Commission aimed at expanding cross-border transport."

Source: https://www.n-tv.de/wirtschaft/Deutsche-Bahn-plant-Direktverbindung-nach-Oslo-id30803866.html

Posted by
71 posts

Interesting, yes. With a pinch of salt as we say here. The mention of ICE-L and a short implementation date makes me wonder.

DB's ICE-L trains were supposed to be in service at least 2 years ago, in fact the out of date manufacturers website still says this in the future tense! In reality they are trickling out now, with a gradual build up through the summer. But as far as I can tell the compatible locomotives are still not ready, meaning operations are not as slick as they should be.

The matching trains for Denmark were also delayed and are still having problems.

But let's go back to DB, they decided how many to buy based on a service plan. Since then Flix train have made a big order (who'd have thought, Flixtrain have trains younger than the drivers!). Now DB need 2 full trains to operate the Oslo service - with compatible locomotives. So there is just 2 years to get the delayed original plan to work, with the correct locomotives, and get 2 more trainsets built in a factory with a full order book. Or then can take two new trainsets away from services that have only just received them. Oh, and don't forget the need to test them in Sweden and Norway...

It's not impossible, just very tight. And maybe making life unduly pressured for the people doing the work. Because around 2030 the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel should open, which will alter the routings of trains from Germany to Scandinavia.

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