Inspection and replacement of concrete ties

A precautionary program for inspecting and replacing concrete ties has been underway since summer 2022. The inspection program was initiated as a result of the train accident in Garmisch-Partenkirchen on June 3, 2022. The tragic accident was caused by defective concrete ties.

Since then, DB Group has replaced more than 1.7 million concrete ties. The concrete tie program will also be continued in the coming years to replace defective concrete ties at an early stage in accordance with the updated regulations.

In addition, DB Group has tightened the regulations for monitoring concrete ties several times. DB Group has taken findings from inspections and investigations as an opportunity to expand the already high standards of existing inspection and maintenance processes. Stricter criteria now apply for classifying defective concrete ties.

DB Group will compensate the affected train operating companies for the damage that has occurred in conjunction with the replacement of concrete ties and the resulting measures. In 2024, DB InfraGO AG has agreed payments to intra-
Group and non-Group customers totaling € 8.8 million.