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Munich celebrates the most modern signal box in Germany – S-Bahn now on time!
On July 3, 2025, Deutsche Bahn put the new electronic signal box in Munich East into operation in order to modernize and improve S-Bahn traffic.
Munich celebrates the most modern signal box in Germany – S-Bahn now on time!
Today is an important day for local public transport in Munich: Deutsche Bahn has put the new electronic signal box (ESTW) Munich East into operation. This modern signal box replaces the old relay signal box at Ostbahnhof, which has been in service since 1971, and thus marks a step into the future of S-Bahn transport in the state capital. Train stop reports that the new ESTW now controls the signals and switches on the first S-Bahn main line, while the other new signal box at Leuchtenbergring is responsible for the section between Leuchtenbergring and Berg am Laim.
Commissioning was not only a technical challenge, but also a milestone for the reliability of S-Bahn transport. During the ramp-up phase from June 6th to 18th, 2025, the S-Bahn trains were able to run largely smoothly during this time. The federal government has so far invested an impressive 195 million euros in these most modern signal boxes in Germany, which are centrally controlled from the operations center at the Donnersberger Bridge. The new system includes 150 signals, 60 switches and over 400 kilometers of cable - quite a lot of wire when you consider how much technology is now at work!
The effects on S-Bahn traffic
By introducing the new signal boxes, Deutsche Bahn hopes to sustainably improve the punctuality and reliability of S-Bahn traffic. Berthold Huber, the DB's head of infrastructure, points out that the old signal box was responsible for around 15% of all S-Bahn delays. The new system is intended to finally put an end to these problems. The S-Bahn main line is the busiest railway line in Europe and a lot of responsibility lies on the shoulders of the new technology.
As the DB Infrago informed, train traffic between the Munich Isartor, Munich-Giesing, Munich-Trudering, Munich-Riem and Munich-Daglfing stations was not possible during the commissioning of the ESTW, which of course meant a change for the passengers. The new operating points, which were separated from the Munich East central signal box, also provide a breath of fresh air in the timetables.
Insight into the future
But not everything went smoothly. Technical problems that, for example, led to early terminus on individual S-Bahn lines were quickly resolved. The commissioning of the new signal boxes was originally supposed to have taken place in 2023, which led to criticism of Deutsche Bahn. However, it is now taking a step forward and facing the challenges with fresh enthusiasm.
With the new signal boxes, Munich's S-Bahn traffic should finally return to calmer waters. Political voices like that of Markus Söder, who also took part in the ceremonial opening, are optimistic, but it remains to be seen when the next signal box on Leuchtenbergring will also be put into operation. The South German takes stock and reports on the progress, but also highlights the technical risk that still exists.
The switch to digital technology could not only bring greater safety and efficiency to the Munich S-Bahn, but ultimately also ensure satisfied passengers who get to their destination on time. It will be exciting to see how the situation will develop in the coming months!