Overview
- The inquiry will scrutinize project management and the supplier’s performance, with a specific focus on Hitachi’s delivery of complex signalling and IT systems.
- Reporting identifies the Digitaler Knoten Stuttgart as a core bottleneck due to approval and integration issues with new signalling technology.
- Deutsche Bahn has abandoned the December 2026 target and has not set a replacement; some outlets report 2027 as the earliest plausible start.
- The supervisory board is scheduled to discuss the project at its December 10 meeting.
- Costs have risen to about €11–11.3 billion, and Palla is coupling the probe with rapid management cuts and passenger “Sofortprogramme” for cleaner trains, more working toilets and bistros, and expanded four-person patrols at 18 major stations.