DB Engineering & Consulting to plan battery network Bayerwald by 2034

The planning services for the Bayerwald battery-train network (lines RB 35 to RB 38) went, split into two lots, to DB Engineering & Consulting; the contract was concluded on 6 July 2026 and initially covers design phases 1 and 2, with phases 3, 4 and 6 as options. The hitherto non-electrified network is to be converted to battery-electric multiple units by 2034; this requires partial electrification with overhead-line islands and adjustments to track equipment, bridges, crossing structures and stations. The background is the Free State of Bavaria's goal of ending diesel operation in regional rail by 2040; the report gives no investment volume. Announced on 16 July 2026 (notice in the EU Official Journal); the date is a placeholder: only the year 2034 is given, and 31 December 2034 is used. (LOK Report, 16 Jul 2026)