With the reunification of Germany, everything is suddenly different - and it's different for the former railway city of Berlin, too. The divided city gradually begins to grow together again, and the previous east-west rail links, as well as those running from the south to the north, are step by step upgraded. The empty ghost stations become places buzzing with life again, and the gaps in rail transport services that resulted from 40 years of division disappear.

People are excited by the question of whether Berlin will once again become Germany's Capital. The resolution taken by the German Bundestag in 1991 to transfer the seat of Parliament and Government to the River Spree finally ends the speculation: Germany will in future be governed from Berlin. In 1994, the German President moves to Berlin, and the German Bundesrat follows suit. 1994 is also an important year for the railways, since this is the year the two German railways, Deutsche Reichsbahn and Deutsche Bundesbahn, following a change in the Constitution, are merged to create a new company: Deutsche Bahn AG. The company's name is entered into the commercial register in Berlin, and from now on, the registered office of Deutsche Bahn with its thousands of employees is in Berlin.

At the beginning of the 1990s, Berlin is confronted with a unique traffic situation. With regard to transport strategy, Berlin faces a series of new challenges. Sustainable urban development - also in terms of business and economic aspects - can only happen when the traffic infrastructure runs smoothly and environmental aspects are also taken into consideration. For Berlin, this means focusing initially on the infrastructure that has developed over the years and upgrading it to meet the needs of today's mobile society.

The decision taken by the transport planners in the Government and those in the Federal Land of Berlin in favour of the Mushroom Concept, with its new North-South Link and Hauptbahnhof on Deutsche Bahn's premises between Humboldthafen and the Lehrter Bahnhof S-Bahn station was the result of such considerations. For Berlin, the construction of this line and of the largest crossing station in Europe represents an enormous opportunity. With a bright and spacious central station, the Government District will now have another attraction. It is just as important, however, that the railway network, which played a vital part in the city's history, is a focal element in transforming Berlin into the Capital of a united Germany. The city once again will become an attractive railway city and rail junction for long-distance and local rail services, while developing at the same time into one of the most important rail hubs in Europe. Berlin finally has a central station.