The Diebsteich station in Hamburg was initially scheduled to open in the fall of 2023, but construction delays pushed the completion of renovation work to this August.
After the construction was finished, trains could theoretically start running to the platforms, but the station remains closed. The reason is that before it can be put into operation, the station must be inspected by an expert in control and safety systems—a specialist in short supply in Germany.
Training for such experts takes an average of 7–10 years, and their qualifications are certified by the Federal Railway Authority. The demand for these specialists continues to grow due to increasing construction activity across Germany. Consequently, Hamburg’s construction team faced lengthy delays in finding and waiting for an expert.
According to the most optimistic forecasts, the station readiness inspection will take about three weeks. Diebsteich is likely to open in January 2025. This will help alleviate pressure on Hamburg’s city train system by redistributing passenger flows to other stations.
