Due to ongoing disruptions on the Werdenfelsbahn and the S7, state legislator Thomas Holz (CSU) has written a six-page letter to the DB group’s leadership. He is demanding substantive answers rather than references to complex operating procedures.
Quick overview
This report is primarily relevant for rail passengers, as it may have concrete effects on planning, connections or infrastructure. The focus is on Deutsche Bahn, Werdenfelsbahn, Bavaria, rail chaos, CSU and infrastructure. The key points are summarised below.
Key points
- Thomas Holz (CSU) has sent a six-page letter to DB’s group leadership in Berlin, demanding concrete answers to ten questions.
- The criticism centres on recurring restrictions on the Werdenfelsbahn (Murnau–Oberammergau, Murnau–Garmisch-Partenkirchen) and on S-Bahn line 7 towards Wolfratshausen.
- Holz rejects DB’s heat explanation: at around 30 degrees, rail embankments dried out and tracks sank – this is not a temperature problem but an infrastructure problem.
- According to DB InfraGo, problems occurred on sections of track that had not yet been fully overhauled since the 2022 accident in Garmisch-Partenkirchen – an indication of avoidable defects.
- Holz suspects structural disadvantage of the Bavarian Oberland by Deutsche Bahn and also sees damage to the tourism region.
What this means for travelers
In the short term, little usually changes for travelers, but in the long term such projects can bring more stable timetables, better connections and more capacity. Detours and temporary restrictions are possible during construction phases.
Context
The letter is part of growing political criticism of Deutsche Bahn in the Bavarian Oberland. Garmisch-Partenkirchen’s mayor Daniel Schimmer (FW) recently made similar comments. DB refers to heat damage to the tracks, which the legislator explicitly questions.
What to watch now
- Check concrete timetable or construction information only once travel dates are set.
- Allow more generous connection times for international journeys.
- Monitor source and operator information in case dates are still provisional.