Uncertainty Over German Rail Revamp as Political Crisis Threatens Funding

Germany's ambitious rail overhaul faces delays and funding risks following the collapse of the coalition government.

The Deutsche Bahn's €40 billion modernization plan, aimed at improving punctuality and capacity by 2030, is now at risk due to political instability and potential funding shortfalls.
The recent collapse of Germany's coalition government has delayed the 2025 federal budget, jeopardizing critical rail infrastructure projects.
Rail experts warn that prolonged delays or funding cuts could derail years of planning for Germany's largest rail renovation effort in decades.
Passengers and rail workers continue to face widespread disruptions, with increased construction and uncoordinated schedules exacerbating delays and cancellations across the network.
While some progress has been made, such as the on-schedule completion of the Riedbahn section, systemic underinvestment in rail infrastructure remains a significant challenge compared to neighboring countries like Austria and Switzerland.