Actions
The strategic direction of DB InfraGO is formulated in eight key areas of action and is focused on ensuring that the existing rail network is highly available and digitally condensed. The modernization of the existing network has the highest priority. In 2025 the following measures were a priority:
Availability and operations
The availability and operations area of action is geared toward stabilizing facility availability sustainably and continuously improving operational quality. The aim is to noticeably reduce infrastructure-related delays and to remediate restricted speed sections in a timely manner.
“Synchronized construction”
The “Synchronized construction” system has been in place since 2024. This concept with binding and pre-planned closure periods enables early communication of the construction phases to the TOCs. At the same time, this focused modernization is intended to improve the condition of facilities and stabilize it through fixed maintenance intervals. By bundling measures across all crafts, a higher maintenance volume per hour of closure is achieved. At the same time, maintenance-free periods ensure improved line availability and thus contribute to the performance capability and reliability of the rail network. In future, “capital expenditure containers” will also be introduced for construction and modernization activities involving capital expenditures. Due to the necessary lead times, these are scheduled to first be applied from 2027. The current planning process shows that about 70 % of the planned construction measures can be realized within the defined containers. The integration of the “capital expenditure containers” into the schedule will significantly reduce the number of schedule adjustments during the year and thus further increase the availability of the network. Unused maintenance containers will be released for non-scheduled transport with a lead time of seven days. This enables flexible and efficient capacity utilization in operating processes.
The design phase for “Synchronized construction” in maintenance was completed in 2024. Since then, maintenance work has been taking place on a four-week cycle in about 3,500 containers (as of December 31, 2025). The maintenance lines are located in the network segments with high and very high capacity utilization as well as on selected lines on the rest of the network that are important for construction-related detours of interregional passenger and freight transport. “Synchronized construction” is a standard measure with unlimited validity.
An interdisciplinary program structure was created for the implementation of “Synchronized construction.” This includes, among other things, a sounding board, program management, a program steering committee and the program core team.
High-performance network
Another key area of action is the transformation of the highly utilized network into a high-performance network. Implementation is planned for about 2,500 km by 2030. About 4,200 km are currently planned by 2036 as part of our infrastructure programs.
Corridor modernizations
In June 2022, the Federal Government and DB Group presented plans for a new high-performance network to sustainably improve the quality and reliability of the infrastructure. The plans aim to create stable and efficient structures for the rail system through comprehensive corridor modernizations and high-performance maintenance of the central rail corridors. The comprehensive modernization of highly utilized corridors is intended to improve the quality and availability of the network, reduce infrastructure-related delays and create the basis for the reliable expansion of passenger and freight services.
Corridor modernizations are one of the tools for achieving a high-performance network. As part of a full closure lasting several months, all facilities are replaced, the performance capability of the facilities is increased by implementing measures such as higher technical standards, and stations are designed holistically, thereby preventing the need for construction work in the modernized section for a number of years.
The corridor modernization of the Riedbahn was the first step, taking place from August to December 2024. This was followed in 2025 by the Emmerich — Oberhausen corridor modernization and the start of the Hamburg — Berlin corridor modernization in August 2025. The order of the corridor modernizations was determined and published in conjunction with the Federal Government. The modernization of the 41 corridors should be completed by 2036.
Further information on the corridor modernizations can be found in the combined management report under Transformation into a high-performance network.
High-performance maintenance
With high-performance maintenance, DB InfraGO is further developing its maintenance strategy in order to make the high-performance network more robust and reliable following corridor modernization. The approach is based on three central pillars: sustainable prevention, digital maintenance and rapid fault clearance.
Further information on high-performance maintenance can be found in the combined management report under Transformation into a high-performance network.
Stations
Stations of the future
Another important area of action in DB InfraGO’s strategy for infrastructure modernization is the stations of the future, which are being further developed to provide efficient and attractive access to the rail system. The focus is on the holistic modernization of the stations to increase their attractiveness and performance capability.
Together with the Federal Ministry of Transport (Bundesministerium für Verkehr; BMV) and the EBA, DB InfraGO has developed a coordinated set of objectives according to which stations are to be modernized holistically in line with clear standards. This set of objectives is set out in the handbook on stations of the future and came into force with the EBA’s implementation regulation on November 28, 2024.
Stations throughout the network are to be developed into attractive stations of the future. Fixed construction and equipment standards are being implemented that take into account not only the infrastructure itself, but also accessibility and the station’s surroundings. The standards are defined in the handbook on stations of the future and are based on the respective station categories or product lines.
The overarching goals are also to increase customer satisfaction and improve accessibility for all passengers.
Action plans 2026
The aforementioned actions will continue in 2026 as described.