Train halted on tracks, operation disrupted for extended period
A series of events unfolded on Tuesday afternoon in southwest Germany, affecting train services between Ulm and Stuttgart. Around noon, a freight train tore down approximately 400 meters of the overhead line between Ulm and Geislingen near Amstetten, causing the train to halt.
In response to the disruption, the 15,000-volt line was automatically switched off. The nine-kilometer section between Amstetten and Westerstetten was operated in both directions via the opposite track, allowing for some services to continue. However, freight trains cannot use the high-speed line and are dependent on the Filstal line via Geislingen, which was significantly impacted.
Emergency managers and overhead line maintenance workers were dispatched to assess the damage and begin repairs. As a result, the track towards Ulm was closed for repairs, with services resuming around 14:30. During this time, two shuttle buses were running between Ulm and Geislingen to transport passengers on the local service.
Remarkably, long-distance trains could continue to run without disruption on the high-speed line Ulm-Wendlingen. Train services between Geislingen and Stuttgart were running normally.
Repairs to the overhead line are expected to continue into Wednesday, causing ongoing disruptions to freight services via the Filstal line. Passengers are advised to check their train's status before travelling.
This incident comes six weeks after a similar event occurred in the Ulm city area, where a night train tore down the overhead line of the railway line Ulm-Stuttgart. The exact cause of the recent disruption near Amstetten remains unknown.
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