The funding covers the replacement of switch connections and the installation of new signalling aimed at reducing travel times and integrating operations into DB’s future timetable structure.
The measure follows coordination between DB InfraGO and the Free State of Bavaria. According to the agreement, DB InfraGO is now fully in charge of the planning process, with a commitment to complete all work on DB-owned infrastructure, including Seligenstadt station, by 2028.
The newly planned signals are intended to support more reliable arrivals of long-distance services from Bamberg and Schweinfurt into Würzburg, while facilitating the connection of future regional trains from Volkach into the broader timetable. Once complete, this will allow continuous regional service between Volkach and Würzburg.
The local project partner, Mainschleifenbahn-Infrastruktur-Gesellschaft (MIG), remains responsible for planning and executing works on the Volkach line. With the planning approval for the Prosselsheim bypass secured, further progress is expected on the remaining segments.
According to current plans by the Bavarian Railway Company (BEG), the route is included in the South Thuringia–Lower Franconia operational network. The target date for the launch of regular service is December 2028, with direct, hourly trains planned between Würzburg and Volkach. For the sections between Würzburg, Rottendorf, and Seligenstadt, a half-hourly service is planned.
The MIG was formed in 2021 with shareholders including the districts of Kitzingen and Würzburg, the city of Volkach, and the municipalities of Markt Eisenheim and Prosselsheim. The Mainschleifenbahn Association continues to operate tourist railbus services on the route and maintains the infrastructure as a non-state railway.
