Backlog of repairs in the network amounts to 130 billion euros, according to the German railway company - Germany's rail crisis deepens as repair backlog hits €136 billion
Germany's rail network faces a growing maintenance crisis, with the backlog of repairs now exceeding €136 billion. Despite increased spending, the problem continues to worsen, sparking political debate and calls for urgent action.
In 2022, Deutsche Bahn spent €19 billion on rail infrastructure—yet this failed to stop the backlog from expanding. By 2023, the total repair deficit had climbed to €136.5 billion, a rise of €2.6 billion from the previous year. Experts estimate that annual investments of around €20 billion are required just to prevent further growth.
The government and Deutsche Bahn have set ambitious targets to tackle the issue. Under Transport Minister Volker Wissing and DB CEO Richard Lutz, a major overhaul was announced in 2022, promising upgrades to 4,000 km of track by 2035. The focus lies on the so-called High-Performance Network, with key projects like the Nürnberg-Regensburg line set to begin in 2026. By that year, Deutsche Bahn plans to meet its €20 billion annual investment goal, with around €23 billion earmarked for infrastructure.
Progress is already underway in some regions. Bavaria, for example, will see €4 billion invested by 2026 for track renewals and digital upgrades. However, the plans have faced criticism. Climate groups such as KlimaBahn argue that the strategy should prioritise electrification and network expansion over costly megaprojects like Stuttgart 21.
The rail maintenance backlog remains a pressing challenge, with the latest figures showing no sign of improvement. While investments are rising and specific projects advance, the scale of the problem demands sustained funding and political commitment in the years ahead.
