Deutsche Bahn's ambitious network enhancement plan, which is expected to significantly impact operations for at least five years, is raising concerns not only among operators due to inevitable cost and punctuality repercussions but also among regional entities represented by the Länder. The German federal states, in particular, fear that the anticipated interruptions due to construction and the additional burdens they will create could diminish the competitiveness of rail freight, making road transport more attractive, with inevitable consequences for road network capacity.
For this reason, they are calling for a subsidy system to support rail freight transport. According to the Länder, the additional costs associated with the need to use alternative routes should be considered an integral part of the network enhancement plan and therefore should be included in the project expenditure forecasts.
The position taken by the federal Länder is unsurprisingly welcomed by Die Güterbahnen, the association representing around a hundred rail freight transport companies, which aims for a European railway network. Operators believe that the anticipated reduction in trains and therefore in loading capacity will lead to a drastic increase in prices starting in 2025. Furthermore, route deviations and the resulting costs for personnel, traction energy, and increased vehicle wear and tear are likely to exacerbate the situation.
Die Güterbahnen fears that the already challenging competitiveness of rail freight transport will worsen compared to road transport. This could result in a modal shift towards all-road transport, undermining efforts to promote and incentivize rail transport. All of this jeopardizes Germany's goal of achieving a 25% share of freight transported by rail by 2030.
Moreover, the bad news does not end here. It has been confirmed that freight transport (notably, only freight transport) will not be included in the German federal law on the expansion of railway infrastructure. Consequently, railway companies are at serious risk of losing funding, such as those intended for installing European Train Control System (ETCS) equipment on locomotives. Financial compensations for disruptions, which are provided for local passenger transport, will not be available for freight transport.
According to Die Güterbahnen, the entire economic system will suffer, as increased transport prices will impact industries and commerce. The association cites the example of the Port of Hamburg, where nearly half of transshipments occur by rail, with prospects that are far from positive.
Piermario Curti Sacchi
