Think of a company driving one of Germany’s largest infrastructure projects. That’s DB Projekt Stuttgart\u2013Ulm GmbH. This company plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Stuttgart. It is located at R\u00e4pplenstra\u00dfe 17.
DB Projekt Stuttgart\u2013Ulm GmbH is not just any company. It is the project company of Deutsche Bahn for the Stuttgart\u2013Ulm rail project. This encompasses Stuttgart 21 and the Wendlingen\u2013Ulm high-speed line. The company streamlines processes and improves risk management. It also enhances interaction with project partners.
Formed on July 24 2013 the company has been steering the construction of Stuttgart 21 since September 1 2013. Furthermore it is responsible for the conception and management of the infrastructure of the Digital Node Stuttgart. This is expected to be completed around 2030.
The creation of DB Projekt Stuttgart\u2013Ulm GmbH followed recommendations from McKinsey and an auditing firm. It aimed to increase efficiency. The company reports directly to the infrastructure division of the DB Group board.
Initially the management consisted of four people. Manfred Leger a business engineer was appointed Chairman on September 1 2013. Stefan Penn retained responsibility for operational project management. Peter Sturm oversaw risk and contract management. Harald Klein continued to lead project controlling.
A supervisory board was also established. It included external experts as advisors. Herbert L\u00fctkestratk\u00f6tter former CEO of Hochtief was appointed chairman. The board reports directly to the supervisory board of Deutsche Bahn.
DB Projekt Stuttgart\u2013Ulm GmbH manages projects previously handled by DB ProjektBau. From 1996 to 2001 DBProjekt GmbH Stuttgart 21 managed these projects. It then merged into DB Projekte S\u00fcd GmbH which later became part of DB ProjektBau GmbH in October 2003.
In May 2013 the board of Deutsche Bahn decided to establish the new company. The contract was signed on July 9 2013. Ten sub-project managers relocated their offices to the construction sites.
A control and profit transfer agreement was concluded with Deutsche Bahn AG on December 2 2013. Approximately 200 Deutsche Bahn employees transferred to the company. The workforce expanded to over 500 employees in 2024.
The DB Projekt Stuttgart\u2013Ulm GmbH plays a crucial role in the Stuttgart 21 project. This project aims to reorganize the Stuttgart rail node. The project includes a through station with eight tracks. It will significantly increase train traffic capacity. Digital control systems will further enhance this capacity.
The Stuttgart\u2013Ulm railway project provides jobs for thousands of people. It includes tunnel miners, geologists, engineers and finance professionals. The project will create two new districts in the city center. This will provide 100 hectares of land for urban development.
The Wendlingen-Ulm new-build line is another key part of the project. It shortens travel time on the Frankfurt\u2013Stuttgart\u2013Munich route. It also benefits regional and local transport in Baden-W\u00fcrttemberg.
The Fils valley bridge is a notable structure on this line. It is 485 meters long and 85 meters high. It is the third-highest railway bridge in Germany.
Completed in December 2022 the new-build line significantly improves rail transport. It is expected to benefit millions of long-distance passengers each year.
DB Projekt Stuttgart\u2013Ulm GmbH’s work extends beyond construction. It involves meticulous planning, risk management and collaboration. This ensures the successful completion of the Stuttgart\u2013Ulm railway project. It is not just about building tracks. It is about connecting people and shaping the future of transportation in Germany.