Continued train disruptions on the NRW railway line - orderly situation persists
The railway line between Düsseldorf and Duisburg is currently experiencing major disruptions due to a suspected sabotage incident causing a cable fire in a cable duct near Düsseldorf. This fire has led to significant delays and cancellations in train operations on Deutsche Bahn’s main north-south corridor, affecting long-distance and regional services[1][3].
Authorities, including state security investigators, are actively investigating the incident as deliberate sabotage. An organization calling itself "Angry Birds Commando" has claimed responsibility in an online letter distributed on a left-wing platform, but police are verifying the authenticity of this claim[3]. The fire damaged the railway's signaling system, which is critical for train operations, explaining the widespread disruption[1][3].
Travelers should expect significant delays and cancellations, and substitute bus services are in place on some affected routes, although not specifically stated for this line[2]. The disruption is ongoing, with no immediate resolution or reopening announced as of the morning of August 1, 2025[1][3].
Thousands of travelers were affected, including commuters and vacationers. Most travelers at Duisburg main station were informed about extensive cancellations in local and long-distance traffic around the railway hub beforehand. Only smaller groups gathered in front of the travel information center at Duisburg main station. Purple warning strips are directing stranded passengers to the waiting replacement buses on the station grounds[2].
The situation remains stressful for vacationers who had relied on taking the train to Düsseldorf Airport during the North Rhine-Westphalia school holidays. There is a concern about missing flights due to the railway disruptions. Numerous regional express lines are also affected on these routes: RE 1, RE 2, RE 3, RE 5, RE 6, RE 11, RE 19, as well as RB 32 and S 1[2].
The end of the disruption will be announced on the Zuginfo.NRW portal by 3 pm[1]. Commuters and travelers are advised to check the portal for updates and to plan alternative routes if necessary.
[1] Zuginfo.NRW: https://www.zuginfo.nrw/ [2] Deutsche Bahn: https://www.bahn.com/ [3] Indymedia: https://www.indymedia.org/
- The transportation industry, particularly Deutsche Bahn, has been impacted by ongoing disruptions on its main north-south corridor due to suspected deliberate sabotage, causing significant delays and cancellations in train operations.
- In the aftermath of the sabotage incident, public-transit alternative bus services are available on some affected routes, but they may not be specified for the exact line experiencing the disruption.
- Crime and justice officials, working alongside state security investigators, continue their investigations into the culprits behind the railway line disruption, with an online letter from the group "Angry Birds Commando" claiming responsibility.
