Transformation into a high-performance network
Corridor modernizations
In September 2023, the Federal Government and DB Group presented a major infrastructure program for the rail network and stations at the Rail Summit of the Federal Ministry of Transport (Bundesministerium für Verkehr; BMV). The goal is to make train services permanently more punctual and to create the conditions for achieving the transport policy goals in passenger and freight transport.
One instrument on the way to achieving this is corridor modernizations. As part of a full closure lasting several months, all outdated and fault-prone facilities are replaced, the performance capability of the facilities is increased, stations are holistically designed and construction work in the modernized section is thus to be avoided for several years:
- Fault-resistant systems are intended to ensure a more reliable infrastructure and thus increase punctuality for our customers.
- Optimal, standardized track equipment is intended to increase the performance capability of the infrastructure.
- Improved customer experience thanks to holistically developed, attractive and accessible stations.
- Reducing future transport restrictions to a minimum is intended to create more predictability for our customers.
The pilot project for the corridor modernization of highly utilized line sections in 2024 was the Riedbahn, the line between Frankfurt am Main and Mannheim. In 2025, the Emmerich — Oberhausen corridor modernization was completed, and the Hamburg– Berlin corridor modernization began.
In the first quarter of 2025, DB InfraGO initially evaluated the findings from the Riedbahn pilot project internally and then supplemented this evaluation with feedback from the sector during a series of workshops. The focus of the discussion was the issue of the maximum overlap in timing between corridor modernizations and, consequently, the sequence of the corridor modernizations. In consultation with the BMV, DB InfraGO subsequently held an industry dialog in June/July 2025 regarding the planned corridor modernizations. Based on these findings, DB InfraGO has developed a rollout scenario that aligns with the Special Fund for Infrastructure and Climate Neutrality and extends the corridor modernizations until 2036. Currently, a maximum of four corridor modernizations per year are planned.
Corridor modernization works on the Hamburg — Berlin line have been underway since August 1, 2025. Extensive modernization and maintenance work is being carried out at a total of 28 stations. As part of the corridor modernization, 25 platforms, three pedestrian underpasses, 17 elevator systems, two platform roofs and four access routes, among other things, will be renovated. Once the work is complete, the plan is for 20 stations along the line to be available as “stations of the future” with a new, modern look, offering passengers a significantly improved and more comfortable travel experience.
Our goal is to upgrade all stations into “stations of the future” as part of the corridor modernizations. This means that these stations will be modernized in accordance with established standards to provide passengers with a comfortable and safe experience that reflects the local character of the region. Measures that cannot (or do not need to) be carried out during the closure period will be implemented after the corridor has been put into operation.
To ensure travel services during the construction period, in the event of a full closure lasting several months due to the modernization of high-performance corridors, a high-quality bus substitute transport will be established in addition to a coordinated rail substitute concept. Part of the substitute transport plan involves the establishment of temporary stops. Unlike the basic substitute transport, special attention is being paid to providing comfortable amenities in order to offer passengers a quality of stay that is as close as possible to the usual standard during the months-long closure of the stations. Clear signage is aimed at ensuring that passengers are reliably directed to their alternative stops.
High-performance maintenance
With its high-performance maintenance program, DB InfraGO is further developing its maintenance strategy to make the modernized high-performance network more robust and reliable. The strategy is based on three key pillars: sustainable prevention, digital maintenance and fast fault clearance. The aim is to noticeably reduce technical disruptions and minimize their impact on our customers in passenger and freight transport. An additional maintenance budget of about € 2 billion has been allocated for this purpose from 2024 to 2033.
In 2025, DB InfraGO continued to drive forward the gradual implementation of its strategy:
- To ensure sustainable prevention, the life cycle models were further refined and predictive – and in some cases periodic – maintenance was implemented in the initial sections of the high-performance network.
- To support digital maintenance, the infrastructure-related sensors – such as those in interlockings – have been expanded. At the same time, an increasing number of track sections are being digitally recorded and analyzed using vehicle-mounted continuous track monitoring systems.
- To ensure fast fault clearance, the local stockpiling of common crossings and employees on standby at railway crossings were expanded to include additional highly utilized network sections. The purpose of these resources, which are available at short notice, is to enable a faster response in the event of disruption so that train service can resume more quickly.
Starting in 2026, high-performance maintenance will be expanded to additional sections of the high-performance network.