German rail travelers face another year of significant delays and disruptions, according to a candid assessment delivered by Deutsche Bahn (DB) CEO Evelyn Palla. In an interview with “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, Palla acknowledged that improvements to punctuality are unlikely in the immediate future, forecasting a “likely failing grade” for long-distance services in 2025. While refraining from specific projections for 2026, she emphasized the priority will be stabilizing performance and halting the current downward trend.
Palla attributed the ongoing issues to a surprisingly rapid deterioration of critical rail infrastructure. “The aging of our rail facilities is progressing faster than previously anticipated” she stated, referencing a phenomenon observed since the summer affecting signaling systems, tracks, switches and overhead lines. This stark reality contradicts earlier pronouncements made just months ago by Philipp Nagl, CEO of infrastructure management firm Infrago, who had claimed a “turning point” had been reached in infrastructure modernization efforts. His assertion that the decline in infrastructure condition had been halted now appears demonstrably false.
The accelerating infrastructure decay is forecast to trigger a substantial increase in speed restrictions and unplanned construction sites. DB is projecting a staggering 26,000 construction sites for 2025, a 5,000 increase over last year, with expectations of exceeding 28,000 in the following year. This proliferation of construction is directly impacting the reliability of the network and, consequently, the financial performance of DB.
“The condition of the infrastructure dictates reliability and reliability dictates economic results” Palla emphasized, underscoring the interconnectedness of the problem. Her remarks signal a recognition of the need for fundamental structural reform within DB, hinting at potential cuts and restructuring of current operations. “We cannot afford these structures” she stated, suggesting a significant overhaul will be presented to the DB supervisory board in December.
The candid assessment from the newly appointed CEO highlights a deeper, systemic problem within Germany’s national rail network, raising questions about the accuracy of previous assessments and the effectiveness of implemented solutions. Critics argue that the continued failures expose a lack of sustained investment and a tendency towards optimistic, potentially misleading, public pronouncements masking the true state of the nation’s vital transportation infrastructure.