Rail services will be suspended in stages and replaced by substitute bus services.
Deutsche Bahn Launches Major Renovation of Key Bavarian Route
Deutsche Bahn announced last Friday that it will begin comprehensive modernization work in July on the Donautalbahn, a vital railway corridor in the Upper Palatinate region. The project is scheduled to continue into September and will involve multiple construction phases.
€23 Million Investment to Modernize Infrastructure
As part of the renovation, several major upgrades will be carried out. These include the refurbishment of the steel bridge in Sinzing, a full barrier-free renovation of Abensberg station, and track renewal between Prüfening and Matting. Deutsche Bahn is investing approximately €23 million in the project.
The goal, according to the company, is to improve long-term operational reliability. Much of the current infrastructure is outdated and prone to failures, which the upcoming work is intended to address.
Service Disruptions for Regional Lines Over Several Months
Train services on the Donautalbahn will be suspended in sections, and in some cases completely, during the renovation period. Regional lines RB 17 and RB 51, operated by the railway company Agilis, will be particularly affected. Agilis will organize substitute bus services during the closures. Deutsche Bahn has advised travelers to regularly check the DB Navigator app or the website www.agilis.de/fahrplaene for the latest schedule updates.
Full Closure Between Regensburg and Neustadt an der Donau in July
The section between Regensburg and Neustadt an der Donau will be entirely closed from Friday, July 4, through Thursday, July 31. Work during this period will focus on the railway bridge in Sinzing and renovations at Abensberg station.
Abensberg Station to Become Fully Accessible
Abensberg station will undergo major construction to become barrier-free. The upgrades include the installation of a new side platform to allow level boarding, as well as the construction of an underground pedestrian passage with elevators. Deutsche Bahn stated that around €13 million will be spent on this component of the project. Construction is scheduled from July 4 to July 24.
Track Replacement Between Prüfening and Matting
Another major focus is the track renewal between Regensburg-Prüfening station and Matting, as well as in the Sinzing area. Approximately 9.3 kilometers of rail will be replaced. The wooden ties and bridge bearings of the Sinzing bridge, originally built in 1950, will also be renewed. Additionally, the steel structure of the bridge will undergo a thorough corrosion protection treatment.
Historic Line Faces Modern Demands
The Donautalbahn is one of Germany’s most historic railway lines. The stretch between Ingolstadt and Regensburg was first opened 150 years ago, with other segments added over the following decades. Since 1980, the route has been electrified and serves both passenger and freight trains.
However, much of the technology remains outdated, and the single-track design has become a major operational bottleneck. Agilis has operated passenger train services on the line since 2010.
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