Deutsche Bahn is launching extensive modernization work in the Kassel rail hub on 9 October. Between Kassel Hbf and Vellmar-Obervellmar, around 1.4 km of rails will be renewed and preparations made for the new Kassel electronic interlocking (ESTW). In regional services, there will be numerous cancellations and diversions until 22 October.
Quick overview
This report is primarily relevant for train travelers because it can have concrete impacts on planning, connections or infrastructure. The focus is on Deutsche Bahn, Kassel, construction site, ESTW, infrastructure, regional services, NVV and replacement services. The key points are summarized compactly below.
Key points
- Construction work in the Kassel hub from 9 October (21:00) to 22 October (04:00); bundled measures for the new Kassel ESTW.
- Around 1.4 km of rails will be renewed between Kassel Hbf and Vellmar-Obervellmar; also cable trenching, foundations for signal masts and work on the power supply.
- Cancellations in regional services on RE5, RE30, RE39, RE98, RB5, RB38, RB39, RT5, RB83, RB4, RE11 and RT1/RT4 – connections between Kassel Hbf, Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe, Eichenberg, Hofgeismar and Wolfhagen are affected.
- Buses and tram lines as replacement (SEV); the SEV partially does not serve Vellmar-Niedervellmar and Fuldatal-Ihringshausen, RB83 trains will be diverted to Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe from 12 October.
- Passengers should check their connections before travelling at nvv.de, bahn.de, in the DB Navigator or in the NVV app.
What this means for travelers
In the short term, little usually changes for travelers, but in the long term such projects can deliver more stable timetables, better connections and more capacity. During construction phases, diversions and temporary restrictions are possible.
Context
Deutsche Bahn press release (corporate/Frankfurt) dated 07.10.2026 on infrastructure modernization in the Kassel hub with timetable restrictions in regional services from 9 October 2026.
What to watch now
- Check specific timetable or construction information only once travel dates are fixed.
- For international journeys, allow more generous connection times.
- Monitor the source and operator information in case dates are still provisional.