Stuttgart 21 is a transportation and urban development project with decades of preliminary planning. The first S-21 feasibility study by Deutsche Bahn was presented in 1995. The joint project was decided in 2009 with the financing agreement between the federal government, the state of Baden-Württemberg, the state capital Stuttgart, the Verband Region Stuttgart, Flughafen Stuttgart GmbH and Deutsche Bahn. Construction began in 2010 after more than 15 years of planning.
Following ongoing protests against Stuttgart 21 and recurring criticism of its implementation, an arbitration procedure was held in Stuttgart City Hall from October to November 2010. The arbitrator Heiner Geißler spoke out in favor of continuing the project in his arbitration award, but called for significant improvements. He obliged Deutsche Bahn to carry out a “stress test”. In addition, a citizens’ forum was held following the arbitration.
The new Wendlingen-Ulm line was put into operation in December 2022. The future through station in Stuttgart is scheduled to open in December 2026.
