Despite a record number of construction sites, Deutsche Bahn aims to noticeably boost long‑distance service punctuality this year. Philipp Nagl, head of DB InfraGo’s infrastructure division, said the punctuality rate should rise to 60 percent.
Until now the figure has usually hovered around 50 percent. “Passengers across the network feel the improvement wherever we have carried out substantial construction” Nagl told Bild am Sonntag. “My goal is that we will not fall further below the 60 percent mark this year. In 2026 we have to stabilise punctuality and thus lay the groundwork for tangible gains in the coming years”.
Nagl acknowledged that this can’t be achieved overnight. The railway reports that roughly 26 000 construction sites are scheduled nationwide for 2026-about 2 000 more than last year. He highlighted the expected on‑time completion of a major project: the central axis between Berlin and Hamburg is slated to be finished by the end of April 2026.