DB’s Cottbus Freight Hub: High-Speed Rail & Sustainable Transport

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Introduction

Deutsche Bahn (DB) has opened a new freight hub in Cottbus, Brandenburg, designed to facilitate the transfer of goods between road trucks and freight wagons. The inauguration of the hub, which aims to promote the use of rail transport for companies in Cottbus and Lusatia, was attended by Dietmar Woidke, the Minister President of Brandenburg.

Freight Hub Inauguration

The inauguration of the freight hub in Cottbus saw participation from key figures including Dietmar Woidke, Daniela Gerd tom Markotten (DB Board Member for Digitalization and Technology), Jens Warnken (President of the Cottbus Chamber of Industry and Commerce), and Imke Kellner (Head of Facilities and Maintenance Management East at DB InfraGO).

Statements on the Hub’s Importance

Dietmar Woidke emphasized the hub’s central role in the economic development of Lusatia, highlighting the cooperation between Deutsche Bahn, the Federal Government, the State, and other partners. Jens Warnken stated that the Cottbus freight hub provides a crucial transshipment point, enabling rail operators to connect individual wagons and develop sustainable transport chains, offering companies greater planning certainty and environmentally friendly transport options.

Cottbus Railway Site Task Force

The opening of the facility is part of the Task Force for the Cottbus Railway Site, a joint initiative by the German government and Deutsche Bahn (DB). This task force is focused on supporting the development of a new ICE high-speed train maintenance depot in Cottbus, Brandenburg. The Task Force was involved in securing timely approval processes and establishing the project’s location in Lusatia, aiming to foster regional structural change and economic development through job creation and apprenticeships.

ICE Maintenance Depot Progress

Hall 1 of Deutsche Bahn’s ICE maintenance workshop is progressing as planned, with over 550 employees already recruited, including apprentices. DB commenced construction of the ICE maintenance depot in Cottbus in 2022. Hall 1, a 500-metre facility featuring three maintenance tracks, is on schedule to be entirely completed in 2026.

Conclusion

The new freight hub in Cottbus, inaugurated by Deutsche Bahn (DB), aims to enhance rail transport for businesses in the region. The project is part of a broader initiative involving the German government and DB to develop a new ICE high-speed train maintenance depot, with completion of the first hall scheduled for 2026.

Company Summary

Deutsche Bahn (DB): A major German railway company, involved in passenger and freight transport, as well as infrastructure management.

DB InfraGO: An arm of Deutsche Bahn responsible for infrastructure management and maintenance.

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