Deutsche Bahn’s long-distance punctuality fell below 50% on some days in June, according to a report by Bild.
Bild attributed the deterioration to disruption from infrastructure works and delays in construction programmes managed by DB InfraGO. The subsidiary is responsible for DB’s rail network, infrastructure, traction power and signalling systems.
The report said delays are affecting several major routes, including Berlin–Hamburg, Berlin–Hanover, Hanover–Hamburg, Cologne–Koblenz, Munich–Rosenheim and Würzburg–Ansbach. These works form part of DB’s wider corridor renovation programme for main lines.
Bild also linked the operating situation to a radio communication failure that disrupted passenger and freight traffic. The report said DB InfraGO chief executive Philipp Nagl had addressed the failure publicly.
The article cited Stephan Stracke, deputy chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group and transport policy spokesman, as saying that DB must bring the problems under control and make the system more resilient.
DB is carrying out large-scale infrastructure renewals while maintaining passenger and freight operations on a network with heavy utilisation. The Bild report said delays on main line projects are also affecting works planned on secondary routes used by regional and commuter services.
