CDU/CSU's Transport Vision: Electrification, ETCS and a Borderless Rail Future

Germany’s incoming CDU/CSU-led coalition is betting big on infrastructure reform. With new rail funding, Autobahn reforms, and a push for EU connectivity, the country is redefining transport policy—promising high-speed rail to Czechia, digital ETCS upgrades, and a leaner Deutsche Bahn.

Germany's future CDU/CSU coalition government is preparing far-reaching changes in transport infrastructure, including a major revamp of planning procedures, new funding structures for railways, and modernisation across road and waterway networks. As RAILTARGET reports, the final coalition agreement sets a transformative agenda for both infrastructure and mobility.

Permitting procedures for construction will be radically simplified, introducing a "one-for-many" system that integrates spatial planning, construction permits, and environmental impact assessments (EIA) into a unified process. According to the agreement, the public interest will take precedence in planning, accelerating projects by reducing appeals and procedural delays. In cases where infrastructure is being replaced rather than newly constructed, no approval will be required.

To offset environmental impacts, a centralised biotope system will be introduced, enabling swift creation of substitute habitats. The EIA process will be fully digitised, and endangered species data will be calculated on a national, not local, basis. This digital-first approach aims to modernise approvals and prevent redundant obstacles.

New Railway Infrastructure Fund to Boost High-Speed Rail and Electrification

The government plans a three-pillar financing model: national budget, infrastructure usage fees, and private capital. The use of public-private partnerships (PPP) will continue on a limited scale, with a focus on predictability and flexibility. As part of this reform, the new Autobahn GmbH will be given expanded powers, modelled on Austria's ASFINAG. The company, owneb by the state, will collect tolls, issue its own bonds within limits, and eventually aim for financial independence. Oversight of expenses will remain with the Bundestag. Emergency repairs to tunnels and bridges will still be state-funded, but a future shift to self-financing is under evaluation.

In contrast to changes for highways, rail infrastructure will benefit from an explicit commitment to increased investment. The coalition agreement calls for upgrades to both main corridors and regional lines, backed by the creation of a new Railway Infrastructure Fund. This fund will prioritise high-speed corridor development, with priorities adapting over time. As RAILTARGET reports, ETCS rollout and electrification will be key goals. The coalition rejects cost-efficiency tests for electrification, framing it as a climate protection measure. Electrification will take precedence regardless of short-term economic return.

Deutsche Bahn to Undergo Management Reform, Not Break-Up

Despite CDU/CSU's prior calls for breaking up Deutsche Bahn, the coalition compromise keeps the group intact. However, further separation between Deutsche Bahn and DB InfraGO is planned, alongside reforms to board appointments and oversight structures. Management will be slimmed down and governance made more expertise-driven. Internal financing mechanisms will undergo review, but the shared labour market within the company will be maintained. A mid-term strategic plan for railway development is expected during the new government’s term.

Meanwhile, freight rail will be integrated into the Deutschlandtakt (Germany-wide timetable) to ensure cohesive planning across passenger and cargo services. ETCS implementation will also extend to vehicles, not just track infrastructure, ensuring uniform digital control. The coalition will examine market-based toll reform to support DB Cargo's competitiveness and carry out a structural overhaul of wagonload freight with strategic partners. Nevertheless, road and rail freight will not be pitted against each other ideologically, and the coalition vows to reduce CO2 taxes as permitted under EU law.

Personal bei #DeutscheBahn auszuwechseln ist kaum mehr als das Simulieren von Handeln.
Worauf es ankommt:
👉 Verlässliche Finanzierung #Infrastruktur
👉 Reform mit #InfraGO fortsetzen
👉 #DB besser steuern
👉 Behörden wie #Eisenbahnbundesamt reformieren//t.co/P9qyP5GWpC

— Matthias Gastel (@MatthiasGastel) April 14, 2025

Germany-Czechia High-Speed Rail Connection Becomes Coalition Priority

Notably, the agreement highlights new high-speed rail connections to the Czech Republic and Poland as a strategic priority. Although earlier drafts set ambitious parity with western corridor infrastructure, the final document still recognises this eastward expansion as historically significant. RAILTARGET points out that this clause should trigger swift coordination between ministries and the Czech infrastructure manager, Správa železnic.

The coalition also pledges to revitalise inland waterways, including implementing the 2021 Elbe Waterway Agreement with the Czech Republic. Financial and operational planning will support modernisation of ports and river routes, reflecting a pragmatic approach to cross-border collaboration.

To support suburban and agglomeration rail transport, the coalition will introduce a modernisation package and legislative changes to enhance cooperation between federal and state governments. Public funds will also support vehicle upgrades, charging infrastructure, and hydrogen refuelling stations for utility vehicles. The government intends to standardise tariffs at public charging and refuelling stations, ensuring greater transparency.

Sources: RAILTARGET; The Guardian; CDU/CSU