Preparation of the 2026 schedule
About 106,000 train-path applications have been received for the 2026 schedule (+18.1 %). There were also application conflicts because several TOCs ordered the same time slot on the same infrastructure. The number of adjudication proceedings roughly tripled compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 347. The number of capacity conflicts rose by nearly 150 % to 294. A capacity conflict arises due to construction-related restrictions for which capacity had previously been allocated among long-distance rail passenger transport, regional rail passenger transport and rail freight transport. In the event of a capacity conflict, there are more train-paths registered for one type of transport than there is capacity. Most of the capacity conflicts in the 2026 schedule have arisen due to corridor modernization on the Regensburg — Passau line and the left-hand Rhine line, as well as construction work in the Elbe Valley between Dresden and the Czech Republic. As a result, more train-path inquiries had to be rejected or shortened than in the previous year.
Train-path applications from intra-Group and non-Group TOCs developed in different ways:
- The share of non-Group TOCs in long-distance rail passenger transport increased by about 9 %.
- In regional rail passenger transport, the number of applications from non-Group TOCs rose by about 17 %.
- In rail freight transport, the number of train-paths registered increased by about 13 %; registrations by non-Group TOCs rose even more sharply, to about 22 %.
The schedule process is subject to a clear regulatory framework and is overseen by the BNetzA. The 2025/2026 network schedule was completed in due time in November 2025.