Conflict surrounding the railway line connecting Kiel and Hamburg in Germany - Railway operator Deutsche Bahn is responding to events on the Kiel-Hamburg line
## Current Status of the Rail Network Tenders in Schleswig-Holstein
In a series of developments, the state of Schleswig-Holstein has initiated a re-tendering process for two of its rail networks, the Sud-West and Mitte, with the possibility of a single transport company being awarded both contracts [1].
The first tender for the Sud-West network, which includes the Hamburg - Itzehoe/Heide (RB 61) and Hamburg - Wrist/Kellinghusen (RB 71) lines, did not receive any economic offers [1]. However, a new bid was successful in May, with the company Nah.SH submitting an economic offer [2].
In a separate development, DB Regio, a subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn, has filed a lawsuit against Schleswig-Holstein over the award of the railway line between Kiel and Hamburg [3]. This lawsuit was initiated in July 2025 [1]. The Higher Regional Court is expected to hold a public hearing in October regarding this dispute [3]. DB Regio currently operates these connections [4].
The state re-awarded the Kiel-Hamburg railway line in May, which includes the Hamburg-Kiel (RE 70) and Hamburg-Kiel/Flensburg/Tinglev (RE 7) lines [5]. Together, these lines in the Sud-West network cover around 2.1 million train kilometers per year [6].
From December 2027, a railway company is to operate the lines for at least twelve years [7]. The award for the Sud-West network can only be made after the procurement procedure is completed [8]. The Economic and Finance Committee has decided that the Nordbahn will continue operating the Sud-West network [9].
Despite the ongoing legal dispute, the procurement chamber has ruled in mid-June that the state had lawfully cancelled the first procedure [10]. DB Regio disputed the decision to cancel the first tender and requested the procurement chamber to halt the cancellation [11].
Each year, trains on these lines cover approximately five million kilometers [6]. DB Regio has not commented on the ongoing proceedings regarding the lawsuit [1].
## Summary Table
| Aspect | Current Status | |-----------------------------|--------------------------------------------------| | Sud-West Network Tender | Re-tendering process ongoing, Nordbahn to continue operation [9] | | Mitte Network Tender | Awaiting decision following re-tendering [1] | | Legal Proceedings | Initiated by DB Regio against Schleswig-Holstein over Kiel–Hamburg railway line [3] | | Date of Filing | Publicly reported on July 22, 2025[1] | | Main Issue | Procurement procedure for Kiel–Hamburg railway line [3] | | Latest Details Available | Lawsuit filed, no further details on content or progress |
## Conclusion
The state of Schleswig-Holstein is currently in the process of re-tendering the Sud-West and Mitte rail networks, with the possibility of a single transport company being awarded both contracts. Meanwhile, DB Regio has initiated legal action against Schleswig-Holstein over the award of the Kiel–Hamburg railway line, with the Higher Regional Court expected to hold a public hearing in October. For more detailed updates on the cases’ progress, arguments, or potential resolutions, monitoring official court announcements or further railway news sources would be necessary.
[1] Kieler Nachrichten, "DB Regio reicht Klage gegen Schleswig-Holstein ein," July 22, 2025.
- In the context of European countries pursuing vocational training initiatives, Schleswig-Holstein's rail network tenders offer potential opportunities for transport companies to provide vocational training programs in the transportation sector, such as public-transit and the rail industry, while navigating the intricacies of financing and legal proceedings.
- As the economics and finance committees make decisions on the re-tendering processes for the Sud-West and Mitte rail networks in Schleswig-Holstein, the success of these initiatives may significantly impact the provision of vocational training opportunities in the transportation sector, fostering growth and development within the industry.
