Construction work at Bochum Central Station: Commuters have to take a deep breath!

Construction work at Bochum Central Station: Commuters have to take a deep breath!

The Bochum main train station will hardly be approached in the coming months. From February 28th to April 25th and then again from September 5 to October 31, 2025, there are extensive construction work that affect the route between Essen and Dortmund. During this time, long -distance trains at the main train station will hardly keep and regional trains will avoid Bochum. Only the S-Bahn line 1 remains unaffected by the changes.

The construction work is part of the projected Rhein-ruhr-Express (RRX) expansion in North Rhine-Westphalia, which provides for a 15-minute cycle between Dortmund and Cologne. As early as 2024, preparatory measures were initiated to prepare for the upcoming work.

criticism of the implementation and information policy

The extensive construction work includes the renewal and extension of the platforms, in particular from track 3 and 4. An extension of 60 meters, in addition, adjustments to soft, signal technology and an "block compression" are required for increased tension capacity. The expansion plans were already approved on December 30, 2019 and are intended to improve the connections around Bochum.

But the criticism of Deutsche Bahn, which neglects customers during the construction work, grows. Local compass reports of an incomprehension of the Bochum politics for the needs of the Pendler. Compared to countries such as Japan or Switzerland, where large train stations are converted while conversion measures are converted during ongoing operation, the information policy of the railway is criticized as inadequate. In 2024, 8.5 % of the S-Bahn trains failed, and more than 15 % did not achieve their goal on time.

effects on the timetable

The blocks considerably strain the passengers. The travel time of the regional trains to Dortmund is extended by about 20 minutes, which presents the commuters with additional challenges. The expected RRX expansion will cost a total of 1.3 millions by 2030, however Are there concerns about the actual improvements for travelers.