International SWIETELSKY Rail Construction Power: Kassel-Fulda completely renovated in just 9 months

Linz, December 13, 2023 – Swietelsky has successfully completed the renovation of the high-speed line between Kassel and Fulda for Deutsche Bahn on December 9, on schedule.

Renewing 85 kilometers of track in 9 months – a task usually mastered only by joint ventures. The deadline is set, as train traffic is completely suspended during the construction period. Swietelsky has implemented the project entirely as the general contractor.

“To be allowed to execute a project like the Kassel-Fulda line renovation as a single company is a special vote of confidence from our client Deutsche Bahn,” says Peter Gal, COO of Swietelsky Bahnbau. For this, Swietelsky worked with teams from three different countries on this milestone project. Expertise and experience from Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands came together to realize the mammoth project and create significant infrastructure for German rail traffic.

“This section of the line is of immense importance for Deutsche Bahn. This section, a key part of the North-South axis, significantly contributes to the efficiency of long-distance travel and freight transport. Swietelsky has positioned itself through the program and the offers to win the contract and thus be able to implement the project with us,” says DB project manager Sven Schaaf.

But how does one position oneself as a single company to convince the client of timely and quality implementation? On the one hand, through the aforementioned collaboration of international teams with their various strengths: German track construction professionals, Dutch switch experts, and Austrian world-class machinists. On the other hand, with a Swietelsky specialty: the aforementioned machinists naturally work with the crème de la crème of large railway construction machines: the RUS 1000 S, Europe’s largest of its kind and unique on the continent.

Since the start of construction in April 2023, the international teams have been working tirelessly to completely renew the 85-kilometer stretch. The immense challenge included the replacement of 163 kilometers of track, 196,000 sleepers, and the renewal of 70 switches – all in just nine months. After the successful and timely implementation, it is now once again: clear track for safe travel.