The field trip was divided into two parts. It began with two fascinating presentations on the following topics:
- Investment-based maintenance of Deutsche Bahn’s track superstructure
- Systematic Development of the Central Station as Part of the Deutschlandtakt
The presentations sparked many interesting questions and discussions, allowing the respective topics to be conveyed in a very clear and engaging manner. The students gained insight into the framework conditions and requirements that project managers and station managers face on a daily basis. In addition to operational safety requirements, these include environmental protection and historic preservation regulations. These topics were presented very clearly using numerous real-world examples.
The excursion concluded with a guided tour through the catacombs of Hanover Central Station. During the tour, participants were able to view the entire infrastructure of the central station, including its supply and waste management systems as well as its ventilation and security technology. It became clear time and again just how challenging it is to maintain a central station—which is also one of the most important hubs in the German rail network—while it remains in operation. The tour concluded with visits to an old air-raid shelter beneath the station forecourt—which will be converted into a bicycle station in the future—and an inspection of the historic roof truss of the main station building.
