Capacity expansion for a strong rail system
The expansion of infrastructure and fleet capacity is a key factor influencing our product quality and also our punctuality.
Infrastructure expansion
To implement the Federal Government’s policy targets for the transport sector, the network capacity must be increased in the long term. According to current forecasts, growth will occur disproportionately on rail infrastructure that is already highly utilized today. In tandem with the expansion of the infrastructure, there is also a need to ensure high network reliability and capacity during the expansion phase. Expanding the capacity of the rail network will create the basis for sustainable transports and economic development.
High performance and growth in the network can only be achieved with the Federal Government. To this end, there is a framework for this (e.g. through the LuFV or the BSWAG) within which DB Group operates and against the targets of which it is measured. There is a regular exchange with the main interest groups on the effectiveness of the measures, potential environmental impacts are continually evaluated as part of the legal requirements (e.g. environmental protection, species protection, nature conservation and water protection) and preventive and countermeasures to minimize environmental impacts are continually developed (e.g. noise reduction, compensation areas). The results are continually reviewed in terms of target attainment.
The LuFV III aims to guarantee the financing of the existing network. Since the LuFVIII came into force, huge price increases have been recorded, which have made it impossible for the RICs to fully meet their contractual obligations under the LuFVIII. In light of this, existing network funding for 2024 was significantly increased by concluding the first supplement to LuFVIII. By way of the adoption of the BSWAG amendment, the prerequisite was created for a further supplement to the existing LuFVIII to include funding for maintenance expenses and project expenses (particularly for stations) for 2023 and 2024. This supplement was also signed and approved by the Federal Budget Committee. In addition, a third supplement in 2025 will take into account the increased funding requirements for the maintenance and modernization of the existing network.
In addition, there are three main levers for increasing the capacity of the rail network:
- New construction and expansion: The implementation of new construction and expansion measures is a key factor for additional network capacity. Necessary projects for this are included in the Federal Government’s priority requirement plan and are to be implemented successively according to the availability of funds. Furthermore, small and medium-sized measures such as the 740 m network, which enables routes for longer freight trains, are also a key lever for robustness and growth.
- Digital Rail for Germany (Digitale Schiene Deutschland; DSD): With the roll-out of the European train control system (ETCS) in conjunction with electronic (ESTW) and digital (DSTW) interlockings and digital rail operations, we can leverage the potential of additional train-path kilometers – without building new tracks. In 2024, we adjusted the DSD strategy and adapted it in Iine with the current framework conditions.
- Capacity management and customer-friendly construction: We want to increase our volume produced with further additional measures. Improved capacity management is a key component in this regard. This includes coordinating capacity increases, customer-friendly construction, traffic optimization and the reduction of disruptions. The LuFVIII also includes, for the first time, contractual funding for capacity-efficient construction in the form of the additional requirement “customer-friendly construction.”
Expansion of fleet and depots
We are continually investing in the modernization and expansion of our train fleet and in the maintenance depots. We are continuing to invest in key future topics such as the expansion of DB Long-Distance maintenance to improve vehicle quality and punctuality. New sites, larger halls and expanded workshops at existing sites as well as new maintenance facilities at local centers aim to ensure that the trains can be maintained faster and better in future. When planning the new sites, the involvement of public authorities and local people is a matter of course for us.
In 2024, construction work began on the new ICE depot No. 48 Dortmund-Hafen, which is particularly climate-friendly thanks to geothermal energy and photovoltaic systems. In addition to the expansion of the depots, we want to optimize our processes and use the opportunities offered by digitalization and automation for operational maintenance as well.
We also continue to invest in fleets and depots in regional transport in conjunction with the contracting organizations. We will continue these activities during the next few years, in some cases with extensive modernization of further vehicles. This way, in addition to improving technical reliability, we want to offer passengers improved passenger information and greater comfort. Vehicles are being equipped with ETCS to increase train capacities on the existing rail network. Implementation of the measures is communicated via the usual channels, such as press releases.