CAF Breaks Ground on Gelsenkirchen-Bismarck Battery-Electric Train Depot Ahead of 2027 Launch

CAF Breaks Ground on Gelsenkirchen-Bismarck Battery-Electric Train Depot Ahead of 2027 Launch

(IN BRIEF) CAF has launched work on a new battery-electric train maintenance depot at Gelsenkirchen-Bismarck, following February 2025 planning approval. The 90,000 m² site will be reconfigured with 14 turnout points, 3,500 m of new track, an electrified charging loop, and a 6,500 m² maintenance complex housing a three-track workshop, cleaning systems, and wheelset facilities. The depot, linking via two DB sidings, is due for completion by late 2026 and will service 76 battery-electric multiple-unit trains supplied to VRR and NWL. These units will phase out diesel traction from 2027, advancing regional rail’s transition to zero-emission operations.

(PRESS RELEASE) BEASAIN, 10-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — CAF has officially broken ground on the modernisation and expansion of the historic Gelsenkirchen-Bismarck railway depot, which will service the new battery-electric trains for the Niederrhein-Münsterland network. Following planning approval in February 2025 from the Münster district government, preparatory site works commenced, leading up to today’s ceremony attended by CAF Germany CEO Ronald R.F. Lünser; Gelsenkirchen Mayor Karin Welge; Rhine-Ruhr Transport Association Chairman Oliver Wittke; and CAF Group Global Maintenance CEO Ibon García.

Over 90,000 m², the project will install 14 new turnout points and 3,500 m of track, including an electrified exchange loop for stabling, handover, and rapid battery charging. The depot complex features a three-track workshop hall, specialized buildings for external train cleaning, wheel and axle maintenance, and additional technical facilities totaling around 6,500 m². Two connection sidings link directly to the DB network to the east and west.

CAF’s redevelopment not only revitalises a former industrial site but also stimulates urban regeneration through a high-tech, sustainable, and digitally enabled maintenance hub. Scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, the depot will support long-term upkeep of 76 CAF-supplied battery-electric multiple-unit trains, set to replace diesel units from 2027 across the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR) and Nahverkehrsverbund Westfalen-Lippe (NWL) networks. This initiative marks a significant step toward locally emissions-free regional rail transport.

Media Contact:

email: prensa@caf.net

SOURCE: CAF, Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, S.A.

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