Germany's Rail Electrification Plans Lag Behind Targets

Despite ambitious goals, Deutsche Bahn's electrification and expansion efforts fall short, with minimal progress expected in 2025.

Only 66 kilometers of rail will be electrified in Germany next year, significantly below the 600 kilometers needed annually to meet 2030 goals.
Current electrification covers approximately 60% of the network, with 90% of train traffic already running on electric lines due to prioritization of busy routes.
The German government aims to electrify 75% of the rail network by 2030, but progress has been slow, averaging just 80 kilometers of new electrification per year over the past 13 years.
The focus remains on modernizing and maintaining existing tracks rather than expanding the network, with only 71 kilometers of new rail lines planned for 2025.
Efforts to improve reliability include plans to refurbish over 40 major rail corridors by 2030, aiming for a 75% punctuality rate in long-distance travel by 2027.