The Main Line under development
Measures & Milestones
Strasbourg–Karlsruhe: A strong link for Europe
The route between Strasbourg, Kehl, and Appenweier is a central link on the Main Line for Europe between France and Germany. Since 2010, cross-border rail traffic has been running across the modernized double-track Rhine bridge.
But we want more: with the expansion of the Kehl–Appenweier section, the reorganization of the Appenweier junction, and the construction of the Rastatt Tunnel, we are creating the conditions for faster connections, greater capacity, and better connectivity—right in the heart of Europe.
All details and current construction information can be found on the Deutsche Bahn project page:
One of the most important axes in the German-European rail network
Stuttgart–Ulm: Full speed ahead into the future
The connection between Stuttgart and Ulm is one of the most important axes in the German and European rail network. With the new Wendlingen–Ulm high-speed line, passengers have been traveling faster and more comfortably through the Swabian Alb since 2022 – at speeds of up to 250 km/h and with considerable time savings.
But the centerpiece is yet to come: Stuttgart 21 will completely reorganize the Stuttgart rail hub. A modern through station, new tunnels, direct connections to the airport and trade fair grounds – all this will mean shorter travel times, better connections, and make rail travel more attractive than ever.
More information and current construction progress can be found here:
Ulm–Augsburg: The next leap on the main line
The Ulm–Augsburg line is a key link for fast connections between Western and Southeastern Europe. Trains already travel at speeds of up to 200 km/h here – but demand is growing, and the main line needs more capacity and even better connections.
With the route now finalized, a decisive step has been taken for the Ulm–Augsburg rail project. The next step is to press ahead with the planning and obtain approval from the Bundestag.
More information about the project:
ABS 38: The strong Bavarian axis
Munich–Mühldorf–Freilassing
The Munich–Mühldorf–Freilassing (Simbach/Burghausen) line is part of the important southern technology axis – and is still partly single-track and not fully electrified. We want to change that: with the double-track expansion and full electrification, the socalled ABS 38 will become an efficient rail axis for passenger and freight transport.
More information on the current status:
Salzburg–Linz: More rail for Austria's heartbeat axis
The Salzburg–Linz connection is one of the most heavily used railway lines in Austria – fast, strong, and indispensable for passenger and freight transport. To ensure that it can continue to meet growing demands in the future, it is being expanded: With a new line between Salzburg and Köstendorf, large tunnel sections, and a four-track expansion between Wels and Linz, this axis is being made fit for tomorrow.
More information about the project:
Vienna–Budapest: Together toward the future
The Vienna–Budapest rail connection is a prime example of European cooperation on the railways in action. By 2024, over 70 million euros will have been invested in modernizing the Budapest–Hegyeshalom section. Modern signaling technology, the introduction of the European Train Control System (ETCS), and improved passenger information will ensure greater punctuality and shorter travel times – by around 15 minutes between Budapest and the border.
Since 2023, the Vienna–Budapest axis has also been one of the EU’s ten cross-border pilot routes. The aim is to remove barriers to rail transport – from seamless ticketing to technical interoperability.
You can find more information and current construction progress here:
You can find more information and current construction progress here:
Milestones of the ‘Magistrale for Europe’
Discover the milestones of our initiative – find out how we are strengthening Europe’s railways step by step.