Construction of the ICE Maintenance Facility in Cottbus Enters Final Stretch - Germany's new billion-euro ICE train depot nears completion in Cottbus

Deutsche Bahn is close to completing Germany's largest and most advanced ICE maintenance depot in Cottbus. The facility, costing around one billion euros, will handle all major inspections for the ICE 4 fleet. Once fully operational, it will employ up to 1,200 workers and streamline maintenance across the country.

The first of the depot's two maintenance halls has already opened. The second, scheduled for early 2025, will focus on the most extensive overhauls (IS 700) starting in 2027. These inspections cover doors, couplings, pantographs, and braking systems, taking roughly three weeks per train.

Cottbus was chosen for its strong labour market, available land, and the region's shift away from coal mining. The site will centralise maintenance for all 137 ICE 4 trains—Deutsche Bahn's long-distance backbone—making the process faster and more efficient.

The ICE 4 fleet, featuring 12-car configurations with 830 seats, serves key routes like Munich-Hamburg. By 2030, Deutsche Bahn plans to expand its total ICE fleet to about 450 trains, including newer models like the ICE 3 Neo and ICE L.

The Cottbus depot will become the main hub for ICE 4 maintenance, reducing delays and cutting costs. With full operations set for 2027, the facility marks a major upgrade in Deutsche Bahn's long-distance rail infrastructure. The project also supports local employment and regional economic growth.