Overview

• Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder presented a new rail strategy that lowers the long‑distance punctuality goal to at least 70% by the end of 2029, with 80% and 90% targets set only as medium‑ and long‑term aims without timelines.
• Evelyn Palla was nominated as Deutsche Bahn’s next CEO and Dirk Rompf proposed to head DB InfraGo, both subject to board approval, as the EVG union announced it will vote against Palla and rejects Rompf.
• The plan trims the executive teams at DB and DB InfraGo to a maximum of six members and advances a stronger separation of InfraGo from the parent company, including a review of their control agreement with a decision expected in the first half of 2026.
• The strategy commits to record investment, with references to more than €100 billion through 2029, and continues a network ‘Generalsanierung’ to modernize over 40 heavily used corridors through 2036.
• Three customer ‘Sofortprogramme’ are slated to start in early 2026, targeting cleaner and safer stations, more timely passenger information via DB Navigator, and improved on‑board comfort in long‑distance trains.