Germany is to build a mega new £10 billion railway station that will boost rail links between major cities.
The Stuttgart 21 project is a large-scale rail project to convert the megacity's existing train stations into direct underground stations.
The modernisation will not only increase capacity and reduce travel times, but also improve connections between Stuttgart and other major German cities.
However, the project has faced significant opposition and protests from local residents and environmental groups who fear the destruction of historic buildings, displacement of residents and potential damage to the environment.
Protesters pointed to the potential impact on groundwater levels in the Stuttgart Valley, which would see a new groundwater management system installed beneath the expanded station.
The first phase of the new subway stations and tunnels will be completed first, with later phases focusing on developing new residential and commercial areas around the stations. Germany's national rail operator Deutsche Bahn has said the new central station will not open until at least December 2026.
The plan states that “all systems will be gradually put into trial operation from the end of 2025.”
“The future main station is scheduled to open in December 2026.
“Given the current situation, all the essential elements of the project should be available except for the Gauburn connection via the airport.”
“Stuttgart 21 is the most complex launch of a new rail hub in Europe in recent decades,” said Berthold Huber, a member of the German Rail Infrastructure Commission.
This is not a new concept: the idea was first proposed and agreed upon in 1995. Construction began 15 years later, in 2010.
The cost of the project has risen over the years and the total cost is now estimated to be at least €11.45 billion (£10 billion).
The project's delays are reminiscent of HS2's woes.
Germany's rail services have come under increasing criticism due to long waiting times for trains and delays on almost half of all trips.
The country's main train station ranked low in the annual European Rail Station Index, highlighting widespread customer dissatisfaction and concerns about reliability at the end of last year.
According to the index, Bremen Central Station, one of the busiest stations in Europe, received the lowest customer convenience score of just 39 points.
The average wait time at stations is 11 minutes and 43 percent of trains experience delays, resulting in a less-than-ideal travel experience for commuters.
