DB Netze’s new freight coordinator: ‘Construction works are for the better, but I understand frustration’
As a new face at German infrastructure manager DB Netze, Thorsten Dieter aims for change. “My biggest accomplishment will be if, one year from now, the rail freight sector thinks it’s sufficiently represented by DB...Read more
Express train paths back on German timetable in 2024
Starting from next year, it will be possible again to book an express train path on the German railway network. This possibility was excluded by the infrastructure manager since the prioritisation of coal trains, a...Read more
Germany extends rail priority for energy supplies
The German Federal Council voted in favour of extending, until 31 March 2024, the ordinance that gives priority to freight trains transporting energy supplies (EnKo trains) on the German rail network. This is what a...Read more
‘Disruptions due to coal transport prioritisation should not be ruled out’
Everything goes according to the plan regarding coal transport by rail, says Deutsche Bahn. The federal government’s prioritisation plans seem to be working with the country’s first major energy production plants receiving regular trains. However,...Read more
Capacity restrictions on Dutch-German border for 1,5 year
The construction of the third track between Emmerich and Oberhausen will include an 80-week period of limited availability for cross-border train traffic. From the beginning of November 2024 to the end of May 2026, fewer...Read more
DB to replace 137,000 sleepers, rail traffic in Germany at stake again
Following a manufacturing error in thousands of concrete sleepers across the German railway network, Deutsche Bahn is now on a mission to replace them. Specifically, the German company will need to replace around 137,000 sleepers...Read more
A year after 2021 summer floods: DB still carries out reconstruction works
Deutsche Bahn still cannot run 15 per cent of its routes in the areas damaged by the massive July 2021 floods. It will take another two years to reopen all the affected routes in their...Read more
Duisport and DUSS enter a rail-road partnership
Duisport and the Deutsche Umschlaggesellschaft Schiene-Straße (DUSS) kicked off a partnership to bring more trucks on rail. Duisport will be responsible for the reception of lorries at the future Duisburg Gateway Terminal (DGT) location. From...Read more
Strikes, storms and construction: rail struggles to find its way to German ports
Rail terminals in the ports of Hamburg and Bremerhaven are reaching full capacity leading to unforeseen train delays of up to 48 hours and cancellations. The situation results from a combination of port strikes, storm-related...Read more
DB to expand rail network, but associations are not impressed
Deutsche Bahn unfolded its plans to expand its high-density rail network by 5,500 kilometres and reach a total of 9,000 kilometres compared to the 3,500 kilometres currently covered. At the same time, it aims to...Read moreDB split-up: an operator’s perspective
The new German government recently announced that the split of Deutsche Bahn into two different entities would not take place. There will be an attempt to make the company’s internal structures more ‘efficient and transparent’....Read more
‘Rail freight in Germany to a near standstill due to construction works’
The rail freight industry is deeply concerned about the disturbance on the German railway network of the last two weeks, caused by construction works.These disturbances, joined with a lack of alternative capacity being made available,...Read moreOverlap construction works closes Dutch-German border all weekend
Rail freight traffic on the Rhine-Alpine corridor has faced significant disruptions over the weekend as construction works on the Dutch-German border faced delays. As a result, two vital border crossings between the Netherlands and Germany...Read more
Heavy storm in south Germany puts rail freight at a standstill
Heavy rainfall and flooding in southern Germany are causing problems with rail freight transport. Specifically, the states of Baden-Wurttemberg, Bavaria, and Hesse are the most heavily impacted. According to Deutsche Bahn, the disturbance occurred after...Read more
DB reactivates 20 decommisioned routes
Deutsche Bahn will revive 20 lines with a total of 245 kilometres of track. “Every kilometre of track is active climate protection”, says DB Network Board Member Jens Bergmann. On Tuesday, 22 June, Deutsche Bahn...Read more
Rhine Valley rail traffic partially resumes on 2 May
Following one and a half month of disruption, rail freight traffic through the Middle Rhine Valley will start getting back to normal, beginning on 2 May. The infrastructure manager DB Netze announced that after weeks...Read more
How long until using longer trains?
740-metre trains have been tested on Dutch and German tracks for a few years now. The expansion takes place at a slow pace since infrastructure needs time to adapt to their use. However, according to...Read more
Report: new law allows DB Netz to favour national rail operators
The legislative proposal aimed at facilitating a modal shift to rail in Germany will not be sufficiently effective. DB Netz is still allowed to benefit DB Fernverkehr, DB Regio and DB Cargo above other railway...Read more
From next month: charges for delay minutes caused in Germany
In December this year DB Netze will launch a scheme in which railway undertakings and the infrastructure manager are charged for delay minutes. The parties will pay per delay minute caused. This ‘performance scheme’ is...Read more