Hochrheinbahn will be electric: more trains and new stops from 2027!

Hochrheinbahn will be electric: more trains and new stops from 2027!

The electrification of the High Rhine Railway between Basel and Erzingen represents an important infrastructure project that is being pushed forward primarily by the state government's CDU. Loud publishing house-jaumann.de Construction work is expected to begin in fall 2025 and the lane change will be completed in 2027. These measures are intended not only to increase the reliability and frequency of rail transport, but also to enable more environmentally friendly trains.

The first phase of construction work will be carried out between Grenzach and Rheinfelden while operations continue. From April 2026, the section between Rheinfelden and Erzingen will be completely closed in order to carry out the necessary renovations. A replacement rail service will be set up for the duration of the closure. German railway plans to reopen the routes between Waldshut and Erzingen by March 2027 and between Rheinfelden and Waldshut by July 2027.

Improvements and expansion of infrastructure

The project also plans to create three new stops in Warmbach, Wallbach and Waldshut West. These additions are part of the desired timetable, which envisages a half-hourly frequency. There will also be comprehensive accessibility at stations, with platforms being adapted to the new trains to make access easier for all passengers. 17 stations will be made barrier-free, which is an important step towards improving travel conditions.

The tender for the technical implementation has already been completed, but the final decision is still pending. Building permits for all sections of the route were issued at the beginning of 2025. This means that the first preparatory measures to create replacement habitats for animals affected by the construction work can already be started.

Hydrogen offensive and future planning

Another innovative aspect of the project is the planned hydrogen offensive in Baden-Württemberg. This should address the specific needs of the region. The need for hydrogen on the High Rhine was also reported to the responsible authorities. The plan is for DB Regio and NVBW to ensure transport service during the construction work in collaboration with the Waldshut and Lörrach districts and Swiss partners.

The electrification of the Hochrheinbahn will also improve connections to national transport, including through the Hochrhein-Bodensee-Express and more compact regional train connections. This project offers the chance for faster and more frequent rail connections between the High Rhine region, Lake Constance and northern and eastern Switzerland. German railway has already planned information events to educate citizens about the construction work and the rail replacement service.