Stuttgart 21, one of Germany’s most controversial rail projects, is entering a new phase of crisis. Deutsche Bahn (DB) has announced a revised plan to bring the project online between 2027 and 2033, after an internal audit uncovered serious deficiencies in planning, oversight, and risk management. The project’s estimated costs have risen to 14.5 billion EUR.
Deutsche Bahn officially presented the findings of an internal review commissioned by Evelyn Palla, chairwoman of the German railway group’s board of directors and CEO of Deutsche Bahn AG. The report highlights “serious deficiencies” in planning, coordination, and risk management for Stuttgart 21, the project to transform Stuttgart’s central station into an underground rail hub.
According to the company, the previous commissioning date, set for the end of 2026, was no longer realistic, given the assumptions used and the risks identified. DB is now announcing a phased schedule, with successive openings between December 2027 and December 2033.
