DB Cargo’s Chief Executive Warns of Fundamental Failures in Rail Freight
Sigrid Nikutta, the CEO of DB Cargo and a member of the Deutsche Bahn’s management board, has identified fundamental shortcomings in the rail freight sector. In an interview with T-Online, Nikutta emphasized that the problem is structural in nature, stemming from a lack of recognition of the sector’s importance in the past. For decades, the rail freight industry was largely ignored, leading to the neglect of infrastructure and the adoption of trucking as a seemingly simpler alternative.
“We now know that the rail is one of the most important levers for climate protection” Nikutta said, highlighting the urgent need for modernization. The main challenge, she emphasized, is the infrastructure, which is “too old, too prone to breakdowns and too congested.” The overburdened nodes, such as those in Cologne, Hamburg, Mannheim and Berlin, are a major concern.
Nikutta stressed that a quick fix to improve punctuality is not possible and that only a long-term modernization of the network can bring about lasting results. Digitalization and artificial intelligence, she noted, could also play a crucial role, but these initiatives require time and investment.
Looking ahead to the new German government, Nikutta expressed optimism, citing the coalitions’ agreement to prioritize rail and freight transport. However, she cautioned that significant progress would not be made overnight. When asked about the rail network’s readiness for a crisis, such as a military conflict, Nikutta expressed confidence, stating that Germany and Europe are capable of handling crisis logistics. She emphasized the close cooperation with the German military and European partners, citing the Ukraine war as an example of the rail network’s ability to adapt quickly to new demands.