S-Bahn chaos in Munich: massive restrictions due to new signal box!

S-Bahn chaos in Munich: massive restrictions due to new signal box!

Munich's S-Bahn traffic is facing significant changes: On June 6, 2025, a new signal box at Ostbahnhof will go into operation. The measure aims to digitize and modernize control and safety technology, which should ultimately improve the efficiency and safety of rail transport. Acceptance and commissioning processes require around 8,000 hours, which is why several restrictions in the schedule are to be expected, such as b304.de reported.

Overall, passengers are faced with three phases of restrictions. The first phase begins on the night of Friday June 6th to Saturday June 7th. During this time, the entire main line as well as the area around the Ostbahnhof up to Riem, Giesing, Trudering and Johanneskirchen will be closed. S-Bahn lines start and end early. Replacement buses run every 10 minutes between Pasing and Ostbahnhof.

Phases of restrictions

• Phase 1: Nacht von 6. bis 7. Juni, Sperrung der Stammstrecke, Ersatzbusse.
• Phase 2: Vom 7. bis 13. Juni, S-Bahn-Gleise im Bereich des neuen Stellwerks unbefahrbar, Busersatzverkehr im 5- bis 20-Minuten-Takt.
• Phase 3: Vom 13. bis 18. Juni, Reduzierung des S-Bahn-Verkehrs um etwa ein Viertel, teilweise Ausfälle bei Verstärkerzügen.

In the second phase, which starts on June 7th and lasts until June 13th, the S-Bahn tracks around the Ostbahnhof will not be accessible. Affected routes include everything from Ostbahnhof to Isartor as well as to Giesing, Riem, Johanneskirchen and Trudering. The replacement bus service will run between Isartor and Ostbahnhof every 5 minutes, while other bus lines will run every 20 minutes.

From June 13th, passengers can hope for gradual normalization. Although all tracks will then be accessible again, S-Bahn traffic will initially be reduced by around a quarter of journeys. Some lines, such as the S1 and S5, will temporarily not run through the main route. The S-Bahn plans to gradually increase the number of trips from June 16th so that regular services can resume from June 19th.

Background to modernization

The modernization of control and safety technology is not just a local matter. It is part of a comprehensive plan to bring the rail transport infrastructure in Germany up to date. The goal of equipping the entire rail network with the European train control system ETCS by 2050 is ambitious and requires, above all, public financing. Both Deutsche Bahn and private providers play a crucial role here bahnbaugruppe.de and system-bahn.net point out.

Engineering teams work to ensure the safety and functionality of the rail infrastructure. As part of these modernizations, the service portfolio includes, among other things, the new construction, conversion and maintenance of signal boxes and train control systems. The measures are therefore also of central importance for the future of rail transport.

Overall, there will be some challenges for commuters in the coming weeks, but at the same time there will be progress that promises safer and more efficient use of the S-Bahn in Munich.