Deutsche Bahn is Changing the Game: Groundbreaking Modernization of 40 Rail Lines Begins

Deutsche Bahn is launching a historic modernization of its railway network. Starting in July, comprehensive renovations will begin on 40 lines, following a new model that includes a complete overhaul of the infrastructure. This pilot project promises revolutionary changes at a total cost of EUR 1.3 billion.

Deutsche Bahn's infrastructure entered an unprecedented phase of modernization in July. General overhauls will be conducted on 40 lines, following an entirely new concept. Entire long sections of the lines will fully renew their entire infrastructure within a few months.

On July 15, Transport Minister Volker Wissing and Deutsche Bahn AG CEO Richard Lutz launched the pilot project for the modernization of one of Germany's busiest lines, the Riedbahn from Frankfurt am Main to Mannheim. This 117-kilometer-long line will see more than 15 kilometers of noise barriers installed, complete renewal of overhead lines, and upgrades to control and safety technology. Additionally, 239,000 ties and 380,000 tons of material for trackbed renewal will be relocated. DB will modernize 20 stations along the route. The total cost of the reconstruction is estimated by DB to be EUR 1.3 billion.

The Federal Audit Office, experts, and political discussions have previously criticized the fragmented approach to repairs and modernizations, highlighting delays and uncoordinated upgrades. The new model was made possible by legislative changes and new funding methods for rail lines. The federal government expects the new model to significantly increase the capacity of the German network, make modernization costs more efficient, standardize construction elements, and achieve economies of scale.

While Germany is making a fundamental shift in its approach to corridor modernization, the Czech Republic largely continues with the decades-old model of partial reconstructions, known as general repairs, carried out during ongoing operations. The Supreme Audit Office (NKÚ) noted in 2016 that the corridors in the Czech Republic were supposed to be completed by 2010, but skeptically predicted they would not be finished until at least 2021. The modernization of corridors was approved by the government in 2001 and 2002. There is some hope for acceleration with the amendment of the linear law, which affects zoning and permitting processes. However, without a change in the approach of the Ministry of Transport and the Czech Railway Administration, significant improvements are not expected.

 

Source: Deutsche Bahn; RAILTARGET