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Berlin’s tram line 21 shuts down after years of delays and worn tracks

A critical section of Berlin’s tram network grinds to a halt—again. Commuters now face months of chaos as officials scramble to fix decades of missteps.

Graffiti is on the train. These are cables. Background there are houses with windows.
Graffiti is on the train. These are cables. Background there are houses with windows.

Berlin’s tram line 21 shuts down after years of delays and worn tracks

Berlin’s tram line 21 in Friedrichshain faces major disruptions after years of delays and planning issues. A 900-metre stretch between Boxhagener Straße and Marktstraße has been shut down due to severely worn tracks. The closure, starting 22 November 2025, will force passengers to transfer between separate segments, as through-traffic halts indefinitely.

The BVG has identified the degraded tracks as the immediate cause for suspending services. About 80 metres of rail near Marktstraße will be replaced to allow trains from Schöneweide to reach Ostkreuz station. However, the broader project has suffered from flawed planning documents, potentially requiring a fifth round of public consultation.

The suspension of line 21’s key section will force passengers onto alternative routes from late 2025. The BVG’s temporary measures aim to maintain limited service, but long-term solutions depend on resolving planning delays and public resistance. Without progress, further disruptions and safety risks could persist.

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