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New signal box in Munich: S-Bahn now runs more punctually and smoothly!
On June 27, 2025, the new east electronic signal box went into operation in Munich to improve S-Bahn traffic.
New signal box in Munich: S-Bahn now runs more punctually and smoothly!
A new milestone has been set for the Munich S-Bahn! The old signal box at Munich Ostbahnhof was replaced and a modern electronic signal box (ESTW) was put into operation. Together with a second signal box on Leuchtenbergring, this will revolutionize traffic control in the Bavarian capital. The changeover took place between June 6th and 18th, 2023 and, as [Augsburger Allgemeine](https://www.augsburger- Allgemeine.de/bayern/s-bahn-muenchen-neues-stellwerk-ost-in-betrieb-gehen-27-06-110193389) reports, went largely smoothly. Only minor adjustments had to be made afterwards.
The new signal box replaces a relay signal box that had been in use since 1971 and was one of the busiest in Germany. With over 150 signals and 60 switches, the ESTW Munich East now controls the signals and switches of the first S-Bahn trunk line, which is known to be the busiest railway line in Europe. The Leuchtenbergring signal box is also used and currently controls the section between Leuchtenbergring and Berg am Laim; In the future it will take over the second S-Bahn main line.
Investments in the future
Deutsche Bahn has invested significant resources in the two signal boxes. The federal government has so far pumped 195 million euros into these new technologies, and that is sorely needed! Around 840,000 passengers benefit every day from the new high-tech brain, which is not only intended to increase the punctuality and reliability of S-Bahn traffic, but is also a prerequisite for the start of construction on the second S-Bahn main line. This was confirmed by Deutsche Bahn.
The modernization is part of the DB “S3” program, which is intended to make the railway more punctual and reliable. And it's not just worth it for commuters: these measures will also prepare the rail infrastructure for future challenges. Finally, the stable journeys since commissioning have shown that the measures are bearing fruit.
New trains in prospect
The future of the Munich S-Bahn doesn't just look promising at the infrastructure level. Siemens Mobility has announced the delivery of 90 new S-Bahn trains with an order value of over two billion euros. These trains, which are scheduled to go into passenger service from the end of 2028, will offer more space, better comfort and numerous technical innovations. These new purchases are a further step towards modernizing the S-Bahn transport in Munich and meeting the needs of passengers, as Siemens reports.
Overall, it can be said: Munich is well on the way to not only optimizing the existing infrastructure in S-Bahn transport, but also investing in the future. So there is a lot to be happy about and commuter traffic could soon become even more pleasant and efficient!