Financing the construction of the new S4

Financing agreement between the German government and states of Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein 

The total costs for the S4 line between Altona and Bad Oldesloe come to some EUR 1.847 billion. This figure includes all potential risks. Concluded in November 2019, the financing agreement sees the federal government take on roughly 84% of the costs, or about EUR 1.557 billion. The states of Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein are shouldering EUR 290 million, which breaks down into 70% from Hamburg and 30% from Schleswig-Holstein. Deutsche Bahn will contribute EUR 20 million to the project. Due to the importance of the Hamburg-Lübeck route for Europe's wider transport infrastructure, the states are also seeking financing from the EU. Some 100,000 passengers are expected to use the new S4 line every day. The duration of construction work will depend mainly on the level of disruptions that rail services can accommodate while the line is being built. 

He emphasised that "by building the S4, we are creating a strong rail link between Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein. Every day, 250,000 people will benefit from this fast and environmentally friendly connection. At the same time, we are removing a lot of the strain on Hamburg's main station, which in turn increases the reliability of train services for all travellers." 

He added, "We are freeing up the city's main station and creating more room for long-distance and freight traffic. With the funding they have received from the federal government, Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein can now initiate the project with their partners at Deutsche Bahn. It's a huge win for commuters and travellers." 

Tschentscher also added that "the future S4 service between Altona and Bad Oldesloe will create a fast and convenient rail connection for up to 250,000 people in Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein. This reduces road traffic and improves mobility for everyone." By 2035, Hamburg's network of suburban rail and metro lines will grow by over 50 kilometres. The key projects are the S4 suburban service and U5 metro line. "Improving mobility within the city will be the focal issue for Hamburg's politicians over the coming decade," Tschentscher said.  

Günther was pleased that "there will finally be a noticeable improvement for one of the most important rail connections in Schleswig-Holstein thanks to the new S-Bahn line." Günther stated that Schleswig-Holstein had managed to achieve a very favourable outcome by undertaking lengthy negotiations and securing future amendments to the relevant legislation, and he added that the Kiel government would only have to contribute some 5.1% of the total EUR 1.847 billion. He emphasised that, thanks to the new S4, travellers from Bad Oldesloe would be able to get to Jungfernstieg and Landungsbrücken in Hamburg via Bargteheide and Ahrensburg without having to change trains.