Germany’s Railway Network Renovation Delayed by Four Years
The German railway network renovation, initially planned to be completed by 2031, will now be finished by 2035, according to a statement made by Deutsche Bahn on Wednesday. The delay is a result of the coalition agreement between the CDU/CSU and SPD, which adjusts the renovation of the network to the life of the infrastructure special fund.
DB Infra-Go, the infrastructure subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn, plans to initiate a dialogue with railway operators, associations and states to determine “need-based adjustments.” The discussion will focus on the stability of detour routes and the resources of the construction industry, with insights from the Riedbahn pilot project and the preparation of the upcoming network renovations also being included. Following the dialogue, Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder is expected to present a proposal, which will be finalized in consultation with the federal government.