Deutsche Bahn expands S-Bahn trunk line S 11 in the Cologne hub

The project comprises double-tracking the Bergisches Land S-Bahn line between Cologne-Dellbrück and Bergisch Gladbach, plus additional S-Bahn platforms at Cologne Hauptbahnhof and Cologne Messe/Deutz, enabling lines S 10, S 11 and S 14 to run nine trains per hour instead of three. Total costs are estimated at around EUR 200 million; the planning approval procedure for the first section (Hansaring–Hauptbahnhof) has been underway since 4 April 2024. The scheme is part of the target network to relieve the overloaded Cologne rail hub (Zielnetz 2032), with full completion targeted for the late 2020s/around 2030. Update (31 Mar 2026): The state of NRW commits EUR 305 million to the S 11 expansion and the federal government holds out around EUR 531 million under the GVFG, bringing the total volume to EUR 836 million (previously about EUR 200 million). Also planned are the new Köln-Kalk West station, an expansion of Bergisch Gladbach to four platform edges and step-free stations from Köln-Holweide; planning approval procedures with the Federal Railway Authority are running in four sections, and a construction start will only be named once building rights exist (LOK Report, 31 Mar 2026). Update (22 Aug 2026): DB InfraGO has received planning approval decisions, and with them building rights, from the Federal Railway Authority for two of four sections of the S 11 upgrade: central Cologne (section 1.1) and Bergisch Gladbach station (section 2.2). Plans include two new S-Bahn tracks with a 215-metre island platform at Breslauer Platz in Cologne main station and double-track expansion with two additional platforms at Bergisch Gladbach. Next come tenders for preparatory works and approval of track possessions; after the upgrade an S-Bahn is to run every ten minutes (every 20 today). No new dates or costs are given (LOK Report, 22 Aug 2026).