‘The Tip of the Iceberg’: Europe Unites Against Germany’s Rail Infrastructure Chaos

Germany’s rail modernisation push is hitting resistance — and not just at home. Ten European rail freight associations, including heavyweights like ERFA, UIRR, and national groups from Poland, Italy, and the Czech Republic, are openly criticising DB InfraGO’s massive Generalsanierung programme, warning that the long closures and poor planning are crippling freight flows across the continent.

European rail freight associations have jointly criticised DB InfraGO, the German infrastructure manager controlled by Deutsche Bahn, over its current rail infrastructure modernisation programme. The primary target of the criticism is the company’s Generalsanierung (general rehabilitation) plan, which, according to the associations, creates serious challenges for freight operators across the continent.

Pan-European Discontent Over DB InfraGO’s Programme

The joint statement brings together freight associations from across Europe, all pointing out that the situation in Germany is affecting rail freight operations throughout the continent. According to the associations, DB InfraGO "fails to provide sufficient quality and reliability" in its network management. The organisations specifically criticise the operational difficulties stemming from the Generalsanierung programme, which they argue places heavy operational and financial burdens on freight operators.

The statement is backed by ten associations, including not only the Czech ŽESNAD, but also AROSRAIL from Slovakia, ZNPK from Poland, RailGood from the Netherlands, NEEÖ from Austria, Italy’s Fermerci and FerCargo, as well as pan-European organisations such as ERFA, UIRR, and Forum Train Europe.

While the Generalsanierung programme is officially aimed at long-overdue maintenance, the associations argue that it is just "the tip of the iceberg" of much deeper structural problems. They warn that extended closures have become the norm rather than the exception, with limited detour options. For example, during the Rhine Valley closure in August 2024, operators were forced to reroute trains via the Offenburg-Wörth line. This alternative route crosses into France, requiring two drivers for each train — one German-speaking, one French-speaking — and diesel locomotives, as significant sections remain unelectrified.

DB Acknowledges Legacy Infrastructure Deficit

Deutsche Bahn acknowledges that the German rail network suffers from an investment and modernisation backlog that necessitates comprehensive reconstruction. The Generalsanierung programme was designed to accelerate upgrades, though it means many main corridors will face closures well into 2030.

Public Transport Authorities Also Voice Concerns

The criticism is not limited to freight operators. Passenger operators outside Deutsche Bahn Group, along with regional transport authorities, have voiced their own frustrations. In Rhineland-Palatinate, where several public service obligations are handled by foreign operators, public transport authorities report that DB InfraGO’s poor construction management makes it impossible to provide timely advance notice of replacement bus services. Although DB InfraGO is aware of construction schedules well in advance, notices are often issued only days before disruptions begin.

As reported by SWR, Deutsche Bahn admitted the problem, stating: "Unfortunately, we announced the construction work at short notice, which does not meet our standards. We can only formally apologise." The company has pledged to review its communication procedures.

Foreign Rail Operators Join Longstanding German Criticism

While domestic criticism of DB InfraGO’s management has been ongoing for years, the involvement of international freight operators marks a new dimension. The criticism comes as Germany’s new federal government is considering a radical restructuring of Deutsche Bahn’s management and governance structures.

Simultaneously, the new coalition programme proposes that rail modernisation projects should proceed without territorial and construction permitting procedures, with DB InfraGO fully in charge of their preparation. The previous government had already launched reforms allowing the modernisation of entire stretches of main corridors spanning tens of kilometres at once.

Source: RailFreight