Die Deutsche Bahn wants to push ahead with the modernization of railroad stations in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia as part of the "Future Station" programme. This year, noticeable improvements are to be implemented at around 90 stations, as Cornelia Kadatz, Regional Head of Passenger Stations, told the German Press Agency. Around 30 of these are to receive a comprehensive upgrade as so-called future stations.
More than just new platforms
"We are focusing on a holistic development of the stations that goes beyond classic modernization measures," said Kadatz. This includes modern weather shelters, improved accessibility, a coherent design and a new operating concept for security and cleaning. Local authorities will also be more closely involved, for example in the redesign of forecourts and bicycle parking facilities.
According to the project manager of the stations of the future, Adrian Bernhardt, the program runs parallel to the general refurbishment of railroad lines. One advantage of this is that stations can be efficiently modernized at the same time as planned construction work on railroad lines. "The aim is to complete 100 stations of the future nationwide every year," explains Bernhardt. The project has already been running for a year. Last year, the target was even slightly exceeded with a total of 113 modernized stations.
A showcase example in Saxony is Chemnitz-Süd station, located in the Capital of Culture. According to regional area manager Kadatz, a conscious effort was made to integrate the design of the station into the Capital of Culture year 2025. In Saxony-Anhalt, the modernization of the Merseburg-Querfurt line was driven forward, while in Thuringia, for example, Zella-Mehlis station, known as the center of Nordic skiing, was extensively modernized.
Vandalism remains a challenge
A major problem, according to Kadatz, is vandalism at train stations. Despite increased security measures and new protection concepts, stations are repeatedly damaged. "There are stations where we are really trying to get to grips with vandalism." Deutsche Bahn is therefore increasingly focusing on better lighting, resistant materials, legal graffiti areas and closer cooperation with local stakeholders.
The program is financed by Deutsche Bahn's own funds as well as federal and state funds. An exact cost estimate is difficult, as local authorities and third-party funds are also involved. The aim remains to make rail travel more attractive, safer and more customer-friendly in the long term.
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