The result is shown in the new InfraGO Status Report for 2024: the condition rating for the entire rail network improved from 3.03 to 3.00 compared to the previous year, with the regional network outside the main corridors performing better than the heavily used sections, with a condition rating of 2.96. The condition rating for stations improved from 3.09 to 3.03.
"This hasn't happened for many years: we have stopped the deterioration of our infrastructure. The new condition report clearly shows that last year's record construction volume of 19.6 billion euros was well invested. Now it is important to maintain this level of funding over the long term - then we can achieve a real turnaround. Despite the current success, many of our facilities and stations are still in poor condition. We have to improve them in order to convince customers to use the railways," explains Philipp Nagl, CEO of DB InfraGO AG.
The improved condition rating of the rail network is mainly due to new tracks and switches, with the superstructure being one of the areas most relevant to punctuality. On the Riedbahn line between Frankfurt/Main and Mannheim alone, the condition rating for tracks, switches, signal boxes and level crossings has improved from 4.20 to 1.52 as a result of general refurbishment. DB InfraGO has also improved the condition rating of the 113 completed future-proof stations by installing a large number of new facilities and upgrading the existing portfolio.
In total, DB InfraGO renewed and modernised around 2,000 kilometres of track, 1,800 points and 120 bridges over an area of around 35,000 square metres, as well as 3,500 signalling and safety control units last year. The public company also carried out construction work at more than 870 stations. Among other things, more than 200 escalators and lifts were renewed or replaced, around 150 platforms were made accessible and 1,600 monitors and displays for passenger information were replaced. At the same time, the concept of future stations was defined and implemented in 113 stations.
Urgent action is still needed to modernise control and safety technology. Signal boxes only achieve a grade of 4.12. Half of the 4,000 or so signal boxes are in need of renewal. DB will therefore replace 200 outdated interlockings with modern technology in the coming years. All in all, almost 17 per cent of the rail network's infrastructure needs to be renewed and around 35 per cent repaired.
This is also reflected in the regional assessment of the state of the infrastructure. The eastern German Länder, where substantial investment has been made in modernising the rail network since reunification, achieve better ratings than the Länder in the rest of Germany. In the case of stations, there is a particular need for action with regard to station buildings, information and telecommunications systems and lifts.
