German Transport Minister Urges Action on Rail Network Funding

Volker Wissing warns that delays in approving billions for Deutsche Bahn's infrastructure repairs could jeopardize critical modernization efforts.

Transport Minister Volker Wissing has criticized the Bundestag's budget committee for withholding billions of euros needed for Deutsche Bahn's rail network renovations.
Wissing dismissed proposals to split Deutsche Bahn into separate entities for operations and infrastructure, arguing it would not improve train punctuality or address current infrastructure issues.
The minister emphasized the importance of continuing the planned comprehensive renovations of heavily used rail corridors, which aim to improve reliability and reduce delays by 2030.
The recent reopening of the Riedbahn between Frankfurt and Mannheim showcases the success of the 'high-performance renovation' strategy, but further projects, like the Hamburg-Berlin route, face funding uncertainties.
Wissing warned that funding delays not only disrupt Deutsche Bahn's plans but also create instability in the construction industry, increasing costs and slowing progress.