Eindhoven, a city that will continue to grow rapidly in the coming years, is preparing for a renewed and future-proof public transport.
The Brainport region, which has been known for years as the technological heart of the Netherlands, is attracting more and more residents, students and employees. In order to keep up with this growth, an ambitious redesign of Eindhoven Central Station and the surrounding infrastructure is being worked on. These plans should not only improve accessibility, but also meet the increasing demand for both national and international train connections.
multimodal node
In collaboration with the municipality of Eindhoven, the province of Noord-Brabant, ProRail, NS and various ministries, the MIRT exploration (Multi-year programme Infrastructure, Space and Transport) is in full swing. This study focuses on the development of a renewed public transport hub with an underground bus station, called Neckerspoel, and a redesign of the rail infrastructure. The plans are part of the broader area development project Fellenoord, also known as KnoopXL.
After an extensive analysis, 17 original solutions have now been reduced to two concrete alternatives. Both variants offer a completely underground bus station with five bus tunnels and a new station hall. This should ensure an efficient transfer between bus and train, while space is created above ground for greenery and new construction developments.
alternatives
In the first alternative, the bus platforms are placed perpendicular to the track. This arrangement ensures a compact transfer between bus and train in the station hall. A challenge in this variant is finding sufficient space for the underground bicycle shed. To this end, a reorganisation of the existing parking garage under the KBC building is being considered. Above ground, this alternative offers space for a smaller station square that will nevertheless contain sufficient greenery.
The second alternative places the bus station further north towards Fellenoord. Here, the bus platforms are placed parallel to the track, which provides extra space for a large bicycle shed between the track and the bus station. This arrangement makes it possible to create a spacious green station square, which is prominently visible from Fellenoord. This alternative also offers more possibilities for construction developments around the station.
In addition to the underground bus station, work is underway to redesign the tracks around Eindhoven Central. ProRail is investigating three important adjustments: two additional platforms at the station, a free rail crossing east of the station and a turning facility in Helmond or Deurne. These adjustments are essential to strengthen both national and international train connections and to accommodate the growing flow of passengers.
The construction of two additional side platforms should improve the flow of traffic at the station. These will be realized north and south of the current station. Various technical options are being investigated for the free railway crossing east of Eindhoven Central, such as a fly-over or dive-unders. However, obtaining financing for these projects is an important condition.
step by step towards realization
The MIRT exploration, which started in 2023, will run until the end of 2025. By then, a final choice will be made for the preferred solutions. This process also includes a participation process in which residents, travellers and other stakeholders have their say. As soon as the designs are final, the actual construction can begin. It is expected that the first shovel will not hit the ground until around 2030.
This large-scale redevelopment should ensure that Eindhoven retains its position as an international hub and innovative centre. The renovation of Eindhoven Central Station and the surrounding infrastructure not only focuses on more efficient public transport, but also on a more attractive urban area with space for greenery, sustainability and innovation.
