The expansion of the DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung maintenance depot in Cottbus is advancing into its final major construction phase, with the €1bn project set to become one of Germany’s largest and most advanced ICE train maintenance facilities.

The new ICE maintenance complex officially entered operation in January 2024 with the commissioning of the first heavy-maintenance hall for ICE 4 trains. The facility is designed to service full-length 375m-long ICE 4 trainsets without splitting them apart, significantly improving maintenance efficiency and turnaround times.

Construction is continuing on the second major hall, which will include four additional maintenance tracks and a dedicated paint facility. Full completion of the wider project is scheduled for the end of 2026.

Across Germany there have been several rail infrastructure projects geared towards meeting increasing demand such as the Köpenick rail station renovation project. The new station is part of a project to upgrade the west-east corridor

Advanced rail maintenance hub taking shape

Once completed, the Cottbus depot is expected to become Germany’s main heavy-maintenance centre for ICE 4 high-speed trains and one of Europe’s most technologically advanced rail maintenance hubs.

The project incorporates automated and AI-assisted maintenance systems, robotics-based inspection technologies, hybrid train conversion capability, and renewable-energy integration including photovoltaic systems. The depot is also being developed to support Deutsche Bahn’s growing ICE 4 fleet and strengthen long-term high-speed rail maintenance capacity in Germany.

Strategic investment for Germany’s rail sector

The depot expansion forms part of Deutsche Bahn’s wider “Strong Rail” strategy and is intended to support economic transition efforts in the Lusatia coal region.

Around 1,200 jobs and apprenticeships are expected to be created by 2026 as the project continues to expand rail-sector employment and technical capacity in eastern Germany.

Project factsheet

Project: DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung ICE maintenance depot expansion

Location: Cottbus

Owner: Deutsche Bahn

Operator: DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung

Project value: Approximately €1bn

Project type: Rail maintenance depot expansion

Main purpose: Maintenance and overhaul of ICE 4 high-speed trains

Key facilities: Two maintenance halls, paint facility, maintenance tracks, hybrid conversion capability

Current status: First hall operational; second hall under construction

Start of operations: January 2024 (first hall)

Expected completion: End of 2026

Notable equipment: Liebherr MK 140-5.1E mobile construction crane

Key technologies: AI-assisted maintenance, robotics inspection systems, photovoltaic integration

Employment impact: Around 1,200 jobs and apprenticeships expected by 2026

Project team

Project owner: Deutsche Bahn

Depot operator: DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung

Engineering and planning support: DB Engineering & Consulting

Project and construction consultancy: Drees & Sommer

Crane supplier: Liebherr

Crane operator: Krandienst Kunze

Liebherr cranes support roof installation works

As part of the ongoing construction works, several cranes have been deployed across the large-scale site, including the Liebherr MK 140-5.1E mobile construction crane operated by Krandienst Kunze.

The crane has been heavily involved in roof installation works on the expansive maintenance halls, lifting air-conditioning systems, insulation materials and photovoltaic modules into position across the extensive roof surfaces.

According to Liebherr, the MK 140-5.1E has been operating on the project for more than two years, supporting works requiring long outreach distances. Its compact footprint and mobility have also proved advantageous on the constrained multi-contractor construction site.