Noise protection

Management approach and noise reduction targets

Further reducing the impacts of rail transport noise on local residents is an essential prerequisite for the further shift in the mode of transport towards rail. We are therefore continuing to work on implementing our noise reduction target:

  • By 2050, we will have alleviated rail transport noise for all residents living near existing lines affected by rail transport noise. A prerequisite for achieving these targets is the adequate provision of funds for local noise remediation measures by the Federal Government in the noise reduction item of the Federal budget.

  • In continuing the Federal Government’s noise remediation program, between 1999 and 2030, we will reduce rail transport noise on a total of 3,250 km of existing lines with around 800,000 residents. This corresponds to half of those affected. By 2020, we had already reached around 2,000 km. By 2030, an additional approximately 1,250 km of existing lines will be included.

By implementing our two-pillar noise reduction strategy, which focuses firstly on on-site measures (infrastructure) and secondly on at-source measures (vehicles), we are improv­ing public acceptance of the shift in the mode of transport ­towards rail.

Noise remediation and control

Noise remediation and control in Germany

2022

2021

2020

Noise remediation (existing network)

      

Noise barriers completed (km)

37.7

44.2

75.1

Homes with passive measures

1,484

1,820

1,485

Track kilometers noise-remediated in total as of Dec 31 (km)

2,202

2,110

2,039

Total noise remediation areas relieved by noise prevention (km)

52.1

52.1

49.9

Noise prevention (New and expansion lines)

      

Noise barriers completed (km)

33.2

41.2

18.4

Homes with passive measures

714

590

1,173

Since the voluntary noise remediation program began on existing Federal rail tracks in 1999, we have reduced noise pollution for local residents. By means of stationary noise protection measures, such as noise barriers, soundproof windows and noise-proof ventilators in residential buildings, we are remedying noise on existing, particularly affected lines. We have achieved our target for reduced-noise lines, as forecast in the 2021 Integrated Report.

Outlook

Anticipated development

2022

2023

Track kilometers noise-remediated in total as of Dec 31 (km)

2,202

2,255

We will continue the noise remediation of lines as scheduled in 2023.