Traffic
First tracks released: train traffic in Munich is running again
Workers repair a torn overhead line in Munich. photo
© Lennart Preiss/dpa
An excavator damages an overhead line, and as a result the railway in Munich no longer works: neither long-distance nor regional traffic can reach the main station. Numerous passengers become stranded.
Standing trains, stranded travelers and desperate commuters: After the massive damage to the overhead line system at Munich Central Station, the trains are rolling Train traffic there is slowly starting again. Deutsche Bahn announced this late in the evening. “Long-distance and regional trains can approach the main station again.” The repair work progressed faster than planned. However, there will still be major disruptions in the evening with delays and train cancellations, it said.
On Friday, long-distance and regional traffic should largely return to normal when operations begin. However, a few trains could still be canceled in the morning. “S-Bahn traffic on the main route remains severely restricted until the night hours,” Deutsche Bahn said. When operations begin, the S-Bahn trains should also be running regularly on the main route again.
According to initial findings, an excavator during construction work on the second S-Bahn trunk line in the Munich-Laim area had damaged a complete transverse structure that spans the overhead lines across all tracks on the line. As a result, the important route between the main station and Munich-Pasing was closed. With a few exceptions, long-distance and regional traffic as well as traffic on the S-Bahn main line in the state capital were completely stopped.
train cancellations and delays
“The DB expressly apologizes for the inconvenience caused to its passengers,” said Deutsche Bahn (DB). The breakdown during the construction work resulted in numerous train cancellations and delays, and other trains ended early or departed from other stations. As a result, many long-distance travelers were unable to start their journey in Munich or reach their destination.
Local transport throughout the region was also severely affected, as regional trains and the S-Bahn network were affected by failures and different routes. An exception were the BRB diesel trains to the Bavarian Oberland, which ran normally according to the electronic timetable. The S7, which only joins the main route after Laim – the central route of all S-Bahn lines through Munich city center – soon continued.
“The train connection has been lifted”
Trains stood still on almost all platforms in the main station. Passengers crowded into the station hall. Within a very short time, a long queue formed in front of the travel center, and railway employees were surrounded by crowds of people. Those who could, tried to reach their destination by other means of transport. There was a huge rush at the tram stops around the main train station, and there were arguments between those waiting over free taxis.
After all, all passengers who had to postpone their planned trip due to damage to the overhead line can use their ticket at a later date. “The train connection has been lifted,” the railway informed. The ticket is also valid with a changed route until the journey to the destination. Seat reservations could be canceled free of charge.