Rhineland-Palatinate optimistic about expanding the Eifel line - Rhineland-Palatinate optimistic about expanding the Eifel line
Major upgrades are coming to the Eifel railway line between Trier and Cologne. The 160-kilometre route is being electrified, with full electric service expected by 2028. Officials in Rhineland-Palatinate have also backed plans to expand key sections of the track to improve capacity and freight transport.
The project will focus on electrifying the entire line, ensuring faster and more reliable train services. Around ten kilometres of track across several sections will also be upgraded. These changes aim to create better timetables and free up space for more freight trains.
A coalition of about 20 companies has pushed for the line to become dual track, allowing trains to pass each other more easily. Rhineland-Palatinate, North Rhine-Westphalia, the regional transport association, Deutsche Bahn, and the Verkehrsclub Deutschland (VCD) are all involved in the discussions. Funding talks are ongoing, with an update expected in early 2026. The state has already committed to covering its share of the costs, which are estimated in the low three-digit million-euro range. If approved, the dual-track expansion would further boost the line’s efficiency and capacity.
The electrification work is set to finish by 2028, bringing continuous electric service to the Eifel line. If the dual-track plans move forward, the upgrades could significantly improve travel times and freight capacity. The project remains a key priority for regional and federal transport planners.
