Disruption of Berlin S-Bahn's North-South Lines Due to Cable Theft

Berlin's S-Bahn services have been suspended on the North-South lines following a significant incident of cable theft that occurred overnight. The disruption affects several lines, including S1, S2, S25, and S26, and is expected to last for several days as repair crews work to restore normal operations.

The theft was reported early Friday morning, with authorities indicating that multiple cables were cut in the Humboldthain area. Technicians discovered the damage around 3 AM, leading to an immediate halt in services between Gesundbrunnen and Nordbahnhof. Initially, repairs were projected to extend until Tuesday morning, but updates now suggest that the lines may not be operational until Sunday at 3 AM.

As a result of the interruptions, the S1 line will only operate between Wannsee and Nordbahnhof, as well as between Bornholmer Straße and Oranienburg. The stops at Humboldthain and Gesundbrunnen will not be served. During peak times, the S1 will lack the usual supplemental trains running between Zehlendorf and Potsdamer Platz, which typically help accommodate the high volume of commuters.

The S2 line is limited to operations between Blankenfelde and Nordbahnhof, and between Gesundbrunnen and Bernau, maintaining a ten-minute service interval between Lichtenrade and Nordbahnhof. Meanwhile, the S25 line has been restricted to operations between Teltow Stadt and Potsdamer Platz, and between Schönholz and Hennigsdorf. The S26 services are completely canceled due to the ongoing repairs, while the S85 line operates with limitations between Grünau and Blankenburg.

In light of the disruptions, the S-Bahn has advised passengers to explore alternative routes to circumvent the affected areas. The ongoing investigation by the federal police indicates that the perpetrators cut five cables, with one cable being partially stolen. Currently, there is no indication of a claim of responsibility for the theft, and police are exploring various leads regarding the incident.

Cable theft is not uncommon in Berlin's public transportation system, with criminals often targeting copper cables to sell for profit. Authorities continue to stress the importance of safety and security measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.