Germany’s Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) and DB InfraGO have updated their strategy for major railway corridor renovations. According to the published plan, 13 corridor overhauls are scheduled for 2027–2031, reduced from the previously planned 21.
- The plan covers 2027–2031 and schedules 13 corridor renovation projects instead of 21.
- The BMV and DB InfraGO stated that projects are not being canceled, but postponed.
- Deploying ETCS Level 2 without optical signals from the early 2030s is subject to consultations with rail operators.
Work Priorities and Planning
A press release from DB notes that the BMV and DB InfraGO will focus the program on 13 corridors to improve predictability regarding timelines and costs for major construction projects. According to the ministry and the company, remaining projects are not being scrapped; they are being deferred. Priorities for renovations from 2032 onward are scheduled to be determined in 2027.
DB InfraGO also intends to prepare diversionary routes more thoroughly and coordinate corridor closures with ongoing works across the wider rail network. Specific measures for individual corridors must be coordinated by the BMV and DB InfraGO with the rail industry and federal states.
Conditions for ETCS Deployment
From the early 2030s onward, corridor renovations are generally intended to feature ETCS Level 2 without optical signals. As outlined in the plan, this rollout must be preceded by formal consultations with railway undertakings in compliance with established regulations.
In preceding years, DB InfraGO plans to prepare digital train control capabilities wherever technically feasible. For specific route sections, including Troisdorf–Wiesbaden and Rosenheim–Salzburg, an interim configuration of ETCS Level 2 with signals has been scheduled in agreement with the rail sector.
Phased Service Resumption
Under the strategy, rail operations following major closures are to be reinstated gradually: typically freight services first, followed by passenger traffic. In initial weeks, targeted operating restrictions, additional buffer times, or reduced throughput capacities may remain in effect compared to full regular service.
The BMV and DB InfraGO maintain their goal of reducing infrastructure-related disruptions by 80% following renovation. The press release clarifies that this target is not expected from day one, but no later than 100 days after a rehabilitated section reopens.