Overview

• Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder presented a new rail strategy and introduced DB Regio chief Evelyn Palla as CEO nominee, replacing Richard Lutz pending supervisory approval.
• The government set long‑distance punctuality goals at a minimum 70% by end‑2029, with 80% as a mid‑term benchmark and 90% long‑term, while local services are expected to exceed 90%.
• Berlin pledged more than €100 billion through 2029 for infrastructure and digitalisation and reaffirmed the Generalsanierung to modernise over 40 key corridors through 2036.
• Customer‑focused Sofortprogramme are scheduled from Q1 2026, targeting safer and cleaner stations, real‑time updates in the DB Navigator app, and improved cleanliness and catering on long‑distance trains.
• Governance changes include shrinking the group board to six seats, reviewing InfraGo’s control agreement to boost its autonomy by mid‑2026, and proposing Dirk Rompf to replace Philipp Nagl at InfraGo amid resistance from the EVG and employee representatives.