DB’s Hochrhein Railway Upgrade: Germany-Switzerland Rail Boost

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Introduction

Deutsche Bahn (DB) has initiated the modernization and electrification of the Hochrhein Railway, a project set to enhance transport services along the Upper Rhine line between Basel and Erzingen. The project launch was celebrated in Waldshut on September 20, 2025.

Project Overview

The modernization and electrification of the Hochrhein Railway involves significant upgrades to the existing infrastructure. The project aims to improve the efficiency, reliability, and environmental friendliness of rail travel between Germany and Switzerland.

Key Infrastructure Improvements

By December 2027, DB plans to install 130 km of overhead lines along the 75-km route between Basel Badischer Bahnhof and Erzingen (Baden). This installation will require the erection of 1,600 masts. Additionally, the stations in Tiengen (Hochrhein) and Lauchringen will be converted into passing stations to facilitate train movements on the single-track section between Waldshut and Erzingen. All 17 stations along the route will be upgraded to provide step-free access for passengers. Three new stops will be added at Rheinfelden-Warmbach, Bad Säckingen-Wallbach, and Waldshut-West. Waldshut station will also receive a new track connection to Koblenz (Switzerland) and undergo a comprehensive redesign.

Enhanced Connectivity and Services

The project is designed to increase the frequency of connections between South Baden, Lake Constance, and northern and eastern Switzerland. From the timetable change in December 2027, regional trains are expected to operate approximately every 30 minutes. These trains will be integrated into the Basel trinational S-Bahn network. Passengers will also have access to the new Hochrhein–Bodensee Express, which will run every two hours and hourly during peak times, from Basel Bad Bf via Waldshut and Constance to St. Gallen/Herisau. The introduction of new electric trains is expected to reduce noise pollution for residents along the route.

Project Participants

The project launch event in Waldshut was attended by representatives from politics, public administration, Deutsche Bahn (DB), and various partners and construction companies. Attendees included Berthold Huber, Member of the Management Board for Infrastructure at DB AG; Christa Hostettler, Director of the Swiss Federal Office of Transport; Winfried Hermann, Minister of Transport for the State of Baden-Württemberg; Esther Keller, Councillor of the Canton of Basel-Stadt and Head of the Department of Construction and Transport; Marion Dammann, Chief Executive of the District of Lörrach; and Martin Kistler, Chief Executive of the District of Waldshut.

Conclusion

The modernization and electrification of the Hochrhein Railway by DB includes installing 130 km of overhead lines, upgrading stations, and introducing new services. The project is scheduled to be completed by December 2027, with the goal of improving rail transport between Germany and Switzerland.

Company Summary

Deutsche Bahn (DB): A German railway company that is undertaking the modernization and electrification of the Hochrhein Railway.

Swiss Federal Office of Transport: A Swiss government agency. Its Director attended the launch event.

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