German Rail Network Plummets to Record Low Punctuality, Sparking Political Scrutiny
Germany’s national railway company, Deutsche Bahn (DB), has endured a year of unprecedented disruption, with punctuality across its long-distance network falling to a staggering 60.1% in 2025. This represents a sharp decline from the 62.5% recorded in the previous year, raising serious questions about the efficacy of current infrastructure investment and managerial strategies.
The figures, confirmed by a DB spokesperson to “Bild am Sonntag”, depict a stark reality for millions of German commuters and travelers who rely on the rail system. While DB officials acknowledge the severity of the situation, their assurances of a forthcoming “new phase” characterized by increased reliability and performance have been met with cautious skepticism, particularly from opposition parties.
The government’s commitment of €23 billion in federal investment for 2026 offers a potential lifeline, but critics argue the sheer scale of the funding fails to address the systemic issues plaguing the network. These include aging infrastructure, insufficient maintenance schedules and a complex management structure consistently cited as hindering swift and effective responses to problems.
The recent appointment of Evelyn Palla as the new CEO has been heralded as a catalyst for reform. Her stated intention to overhaul the company’s operations signals a potential shift in strategy, but the ingrained inertia within DB presents a formidable obstacle. Union representatives have voiced concerns that rapid restructuring could lead to job losses and further destabilize the workforce, whilst passenger advocacy groups emphasize the need for immediate improvements rather than relying solely on future investment.
The deteriorating performance of Deutsche Bahn is not merely an operational concern; it has become a significant political liability for the ruling coalition. The ongoing crisis underscores a need for a fundamental re-evaluation of Germany’s transport policy, prompting a debate about privatization versus public ownership and the true costs of maintaining a vast and crucial national infrastructure. The promise of a turnaround remains elusive and the pressure on DB and its leadership to deliver tangible results has never been higher.