The newly appointed CEO of Deutsche Bahn, Evelyn Palla, has detailed a long-delayed and ambitious “immediate program” aimed at revitalizing the national rail operator, revealing timelines and outlining potentially contentious restructuring plans. In an interview released Wednesday, Palla confirmed the program’s launch is now slated for January 2026, significantly pushing back previous, less concrete expectations.
The plan, ostensibly focused on passenger experience, promises improvements in areas such as comfort on long-distance routes, cleanliness, availability of onboard services – including catering and restrooms – and improved real-time information delivery through the DB Navigator app and at stations. While seemingly innocuous, critics argue this focus merely masks deeper systemic issues plaguing the company.
However, alongside passenger-centric promises, Palla signaled a broader internal overhaul that includes organizational streamlining and personnel reductions. The CEO identified a centralizing decision-making process as a major impediment to efficiency, stating the company possesses “fantastic leadership” at regional and operational levels hindered by excessive bureaucracy. Her plan envisions delegating more authority to these local teams, which could face resistance from established hierarchies within the DB.
The stark reality of Deutsche Bahn’s ongoing struggles with punctuality remains a crucial factor. Palla tempered expectations for immediate improvement, citing a necessary increase in construction projects from the current 26,000 to 28,000 across the 40,000-kilometer network. Even according to the DB’s own definition of punctuality – accepting delays of up to five minutes and fifty-nine seconds – only slightly over half of long-distance trains currently arrive on time. She predicts discernible improvements will not materialize until 2027, raising questions about the effectiveness of the forthcoming program and the credibility of the DB’s projections.
This delay, coupled with the proposed internal reforms and potential job cuts, is likely to draw intense scrutiny from labor unions and political opponents. The viability of Palla’s overhaul hinges on her ability to overcome entrenched resistance and deliver tangible improvements, all while navigating a politically sensitive landscape. The coming months will be crucial in assessing whether the “immediate program” represents a genuine turning point for Deutsche Bahn, or merely another deferred response to a long-standing crisis.