Berlin's Shortest Tram Makes Anticipated Debut in 2026 on BVG Line 22
The Tram Ostkreuz project in Berlin is currently undergoing planning approval, with no exact completion date announced yet. This means that construction has not yet commenced, and the project timeline remains uncertain.
The project, which involves the renewal of 1400 meters of tram track in Ehrlichstraße and the construction of a new turnaround track for tram line 22 at Blockdammweg in Karlshorst, is expected to cost 1.4 million euros for the track connection and later expansion after the new route goes into operation. The new tram line 22, scheduled to begin operation in the fall of the coming year, will have a maximum of eight stops and will not be longer than four kilometers.
The construction of the new track change in Boxhagener Straße seems to be progressing purposefully. However, the planning and construction activities connected with Tram Ostkreuz may cause temporary disruptions or schedule adjustments on existing tram lines such as 21 and 22 as the new infrastructure is integrated and existing routes are modified to connect to the Ostkreuz hub.
The relocation of tram line 21 to Ostkreuz is causing delays in the length of the new reinforcement line 22. Thousands of residents along Köpenicker Chaussée and Hauptstraße in Rummelsburg could potentially enjoy a ten-minute interval with the introduction of the new tram line 22.
The Berlin Fire Department had objections regarding the guarantee of a second rescue route in case of a fire on the new tram line. As a result, an alternative approach of a conventional overhead line system is now being planned, which takes into account both the requirements of the fire department and the needs of the tram operation.
A closure of the area Ehrlichstraße/Blockdammweg/Wandlitzstraße for traffic is announced for the subsequent second quarter of 2026. If there is a plan approval decision this year, a closure of the existing Boxhagener Straße/Marktstraße track for construction reasons is necessary from mid-2027 until the new Ostkreuz route goes into operation.
The planning approval procedure for the one-kilometer-long route was initiated eight years ago and has been corrected multiple times. The BVG did not provide a cost framework for a possible partial renovation of the tracks in response to a specific question from Left Party representative Hendrikje Klein. It's worth noting that there are still tracks from GDR times in Ehrlichstraße, and a complete renewal has been planned for a long time.
It's important for travellers to consult updated timetable information closer to dates of travel for any disruptions related to this and other construction works in the Berlin tram and rail network. The current tram line 21 only runs every 20 minutes, which is a significant hindrance for residents in the area. The loud protest initiative from residents who reject the new route has resulted in a high three-digit number of objections in the procedure.
As the planning approval process proceeds further, concrete current impacts and final operational changes for tram lines 21 and 22 will be clarified. Detailed, current timetable changes or line modifications directly linked to the Tram Ostkreuz project specifically were not found in the latest publicly available information.
[1] Source: Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) [2] Source: Berlin Senate Department for Urban Development and the Environment
- The financing for the Tram Ostkreuz project, which encompasses sectors like transportation, public-transit, and industry, is estimated to cost 1.4 million euros, with further expenses for the expansion of the new route mentioned in the plan.
- The project's influence extends beyond the construction of a new turnaround track and the renewal of tram tracks, as temporary disruptions may occur on existing tram lines like 21 and 22 during the integration of the new infrastructure into the existing network.
