German railway operator Deutsche Bahn faces a significant funding gap to maintain and expand its railway infrastructure over the next decade, according to documents obtained by the DPA news agency.
The documents outline that approximately €80 billion will be needed to modernize the existing network, reconstruct critical corridors, prepare for digitalization, and complete smaller-scale projects by 2034. The report highlights that “there are significant gaps in funding for infrastructure renewal, especially after 2028.”
If expansion, new network construction, and accelerated digitalization are included, the total funding required could reach around €150 billion, as indicated in the report.
This funding could potentially come from a planned €500 billion special infrastructure fund, which was agreed upon by the CDU/CSU and SPD parties during negotiations for the next government. However, it remains unclear how much of that fund will be allocated to the railway sector. Experts suggest that funding for railways should be prioritized in three phases:
- Renovating the existing network, including railway stations.
- Establishing the foundation for digital management and safety technologies.
- Initiating new construction and expansion projects.
Germany’s railway network is widely regarded as outdated and underfunded, which contributes to the frequent delays experienced by Deutsche Bahn. In response, the company has launched an extensive reconstruction program, including the modernization of over 40 high-traffic route corridors. However, following the collapse of Germany’s three-party coalition, the future of long-term infrastructure funding remains uncertain.
