Court Upholds Planned Diversion of Gäubahn Railway Line in Stuttgart
Stuttgart, Germany – The Gäubahn railway line, which connects Stuttgart with Zurich, will be diverted from its current terminus at Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof to the Vaihingen district starting in spring 2026. This decision was made following the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by the German Environmental Aid (DUH) by the Stuttgart Administrative Court.
Background of the Diversions
The diversion is part of the Stuttgart 21 project, a major infrastructure undertaking that involves the construction of a new underground railway station and the relocation of the main railway tracks in Stuttgart. As part of these works, the section of the Gäubahn line between Stuttgart-Vaihingen and Hauptbahnhof will be closed, forcing passengers to transfer to regional trains or the S-Bahn system to reach the city center.
DUH’s Lawsuit
The DUH challenged the planned diversion, arguing that it violated the planning approval decision for Stuttgart 21. According to the DUH, the decision required an "immediate replacement" for the Gäubahn connection, and a disruption lasting several years constituted a breach of this requirement.
Court’s Reasoning
However, the court dismissed the DUH’s arguments, stating that the planning approval decisions did not specify a timeframe for the diversion. The court also rejected a similar lawsuit filed by the State Nature Conservation Association on the grounds that the association lacked the necessary authority to bring the action.
Delays and Longer Diversion
Initially, the diversion was expected to last approximately six months. However, it is now estimated to persist significantly longer due to revised plans for the Pfaffensteigtunnel, which will connect the Gäubahn line to the new approach line for Stuttgart’s underground station. The tunnel is still in the planning phase and is currently scheduled to open in late 2032.
Implications for Passengers
The diversion of the Gäubahn line will have a noticeable impact on passengers traveling between Stuttgart and Zurich. They will now have to transfer to other trains or the S-Bahn system at Vaihingen to reach the city center. This additional leg of the journey will likely add time and inconvenience to their commutes.
Environmental Concerns
The DUH also raised environmental concerns about the diversion, arguing that it would increase noise pollution and traffic congestion in the Vaihingen district. However, the court did not address these concerns in its ruling.
Conclusion
The Stuttgart Administrative Court’s decision paves the way for the diversion of the Gäubahn line, despite objections from the DUH and other environmental groups. Passengers will have to adjust to a longer and less convenient journey between Stuttgart and Zurich while the Pfaffensteigtunnel is completed. The environmental implications of the diversion remain a concern that may be addressed in future discussions or proceedings.
