Stuttgart 21 delays spark outrage as Pro Gäubahn demands rail rethink

A rail alliance declares Stuttgart 21 unworkable after fresh delays. Their bold plan could save the historic Gäu Railway—but will Deutsche Bank listen?

, and Administrator

2025 November 22 . 6:45 PM

1 min read

In this image in the center there is a train, and at the bottom there is grass and railway track.... — In this image in the center there is a train, and at the bottom there is grass and railway track. And at the top there is ceiling and some poles.

Stuttgart 21 delays spark outrage as Pro Gäubahn demands rail rethink

The state alliance Pro Gäubahn has sharply criticised Deutsche Bank after further delays to Stuttgart 21. The group describes the announcement as a 'declaration of bankruptcy' for the troubled rail project. Instead of the planned cut-off, they are pushing for a different approach to keep the Gäu Railway fully operational. The latest delay in Stuttgart 21’s partial opening means passenger trains will keep using the historic aboveground terminal station. Pro Gäubahn argues this proves their long-standing concerns about the project’s viability. They now demand the Gäu Railway remain permanently connected to Stuttgart’s existing terminus beyond the planned 2027 cut-off. The alliance’s demands include halting the Gäubahn cut-off, keeping the aboveground station in use, and improving dual-track capacity. If adopted, these changes would reshape rail transport in the region. Deutsche Bank has yet to respond to the proposals.