RSRG modernises the infrastructure of the historic narrow-gauge railway.
Since November 2025, the RSRG has been carrying out maintenance work on the Muskau Forest Railway, thereby safeguarding the long-term preservation of a unique historic railway line.
The project is divided into two construction phases and comprises extensive track and points work. A total of 3,600 metres of track will be renewed, three points replaced and two new points installed. A 140-metre run-round track will also be constructed.
Particular requirements arise from the 600-millimetre gauge and gauge widening in curves up to 615 millimetres. As is typical for historic railways, the work is being carried out using jointed track construction. All points and 300 metres of track are being installed on RC sleepers, which are precisely pre-drilled and set to gauge in advance. The remaining sections are being built on B70 concrete sleepers.
During the first stage from November 2025 to March 2026, a permanent team of five employees was deployed. Additional peaks in workload were covered flexibly. Despite a construction stoppage lasting several weeks due to severe winter weather, 1,400 metres of track and three points, including ballasting and tamping work, were renewed. Three level crossings were also removed and temporarily reinstated, allowing the line to be handed over on schedule at the end of March 2026 for the start of the season.
A key success factor is the partnership-based collaboration with Waldeisenbahn Muskau GmbH. The provision of the locomotive with ballast wagons and the tamping machine, together with the specialist exchange of knowledge, provided major support for delivery.
The remaining works will be completed in the second construction phase from October 2026 to March 2027. This will create the basis for safeguarding the operation of the railway, which is more than 130 years old, and preserving its “nostalgic journey from park to park” as a tourism asset for the Upper Lusatia region.
Facts
Muskau Forest Railway project
- Location: Upper Lusatia region, Germany
- Client: Waldeisenbahn Muskau GmbH
- Scope: Reconstruction of 3,600 m of track, renewal of three turnouts, installation of two new turnouts and construction of 140 m of run-round track
- Construction period: November 2025 to March 2027 (scheduled)
