Despite the cooler weather easing the summer heat, these are scorching months for German railways, caught in lively debates over network access fee increases that are not justified by the services provided, numerous construction sites causing route deviations with higher costs, delays, or even train cancellations. Freight services always bear the brunt of these issues. This situation now appears to have reached a breaking point, unjustified by the network maintenance concentrated in the summer months due to lower traffic.
The crisis erupted following yet another instance of disruption, apparently caused by a communication failure, if not outright negligence, by DB InfraGO, the German railway network operator. This incident provoked a strong reaction from SBB Cargo International. In an unusual move that contradicted the traditional caution typical of relationships among institutional railway entities, the company, a joint venture between SBB Cargo and Hupac engaged in international transport, took to social media to denounce DB InfraGO's conduct as improper.
The events in question occurred on June 28, 2024. SBB Cargo International wrote on social media: “Last Friday, DB InfraGO informed us - without guilt or seeking solutions - that important signal cabins in the Rhine Valley would be unmanned for 12 hours or even days. Additionally, all trains would have to be diverted to the left bank of the Rhine due to work on the right bank. How is it possible that the infrastructure operator, described as ‘oriented towards the common good,’ manages Europe’s most important freight corridor so amateurishly?” This sudden decision by the German railway network operator resulted in the cancellation of numerous trains or significant slowdowns in circulation.
Beyond the apparent lack of consideration by DB InfraGO for its customers, the technical choices and superficial management practices have been criticized. Firstly, there was no viable alternative provided when shortages occurred along a primary route where numerous control devices were deactivated, apparently without any explanation. Simultaneously, work was scheduled on the right Rhine railway, forcing a near-parallel route on the left bank with more restrictions. This also made it impossible to use the Siegen diversion, an important railway junction between Frankfurt and Cologne.
The staff shortages in the traffic control departments highlight the bitter reality of daily operations, contrasting sharply with the futuristic digitalization programs announced on various occasions. This incident should not be dismissed as a mere operational mishap. Therefore, SBB Cargo International is also appealing to regulatory authorities to adopt adequate measures: “DB InfraGO must ensure that there is an alternative route on the Rhine-Alps corridor that can be used at any time.” It appears that German railways have not learned from the Rastatt debacle.
Piermario Curti Sacchi
