The transformation of Munich’s urban transit infrastructure is advancing with another significant step forward. Deutsche Bahn has awarded a major construction contract to the Tunnel Ostbahnhof joint venture — a 50/50 partnership between HOCHTIEF and Implenia — as part of the Second Core S-Bahn Route project
The New Ostbahnhof Tunnel Contract
The scope of this new package, named “733 Tunnel Ostbahnhof,” encompasses a critical section of the line between Marienhof and Ostbahnhof stations (detailed below) and carries a project value estimated in the high hundreds of millions of euros.
The Second Core S-Bahn Route is a large-scale infrastructure initiative designed to relieve congestion in one of Germany’s busiest public transport networks. The existing east-west tunnel through central Munich — opened in 1972 — has reached capacity, handling over 840,000 daily passengers.
The new 11-kilometre alignment, running largely underground and roughly parallel to the original, will add resilience, enable faster cross-city services, and support future population and mobility growth.
Scope of Works in the new agreement
Under the technical leadership of HOCHTIEF Infrastructure, the Tunnel Ostbahnhof joint venture will deliver a complex package of works stretching over approximately three kilometres. Even though it has been not disclosed, it is understood that works have been awarded under a Design-Construct Contract and the scope of works includes:
Two main traffic tunnels
A dedicated rescue tunnel
Eight connecting structures between the tunnels
The underground München-Ost (East Munich) station
A junction structure
Multiple galleries and shafts
A new track underpass at the Ostbahnhof station
These works will involve a wide array of civil engineering techniques, including tunnel construction, special foundation works, and large-scale structural excavation. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2025 and conclude by May 2033.
Given the dense urban environment and the necessity to maintain ongoing rail operations, the project presents numerous logistical and engineering challenges. The joint venture is mitigating these through the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Lean Construction methodologies, aiming for seamless coordination and timely delivery.
Continuation of a Longstanding Partnership
The new Tunnel Ostbahnhof contract represents a continuation of the strong collaborative relationship between HOCHTIEF and Implenia. Since 2018, the two firms have also been working together on the central Marienhof underground station, another core component of the Second S-Bahn Route.
In that joint venture, Implenia holds the technical lead, with HOCHTIEF managing the commercial aspects. In the Tunnel Ostbahnhof JV, those roles are reversed, underscoring the complementary strengths and shared commitment of both companies.
Jens Vollmar, CEO of Implenia, commented on the importance of the project to the company’s strategy and the broader urban community:
“Maintaining and developing a functioning transport infrastructure is central to the quality of life in our cities. I’m very happy that Implenia, with its many years of experience and comprehensive expertise, is once again able to contribute actively to improving public transport in Munich.”
Juan Santamaría, CEO of HOCHTIEF, also emphasized the project’s significance within the wider context of Germany’s infrastructure development:
“HOCHTIEF is currently delivering several major infrastructure projects in Germany, such as the Rhine highway bridges in Leverkusen and Duisburg, as well as several major rail projects. The expansion and renewal of transportation infrastructure are important levers for enabling economic growth and improving people’s quality of life. We want to continue to grow in the German infrastructure market in cooperation with local partners. In this respect, we are very pleased to be able to provide an attractive solution with this second contract in Munich.”
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