The comprehensive renovation of around 40 busy railway lines in Germany will take longer than originally planned. Instead of being completed by 2031 as initially announced, the project is now scheduled for completion in the mid-2030s. In future, Deutsche Bahn intends to carry out only four to five corridor renovations per year – previously, up to nine were planned. According to DB InfraGo, the reason for the change of course is the necessary balance between construction capacity, network load and realistic planning. Experts and associations had expressed doubts about the ambitious schedule early on – after all, months of complete closures mean significant disruption for passengers and freight transport. The new federal government is now examining the concept more closely and planning adjustments. The industry also agrees: the postponement is not a defeat, but a long-overdue correction. Despite the delay, Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder is sticking to the renovation concept – but with a greater focus on feasibility and impact. Deutsche Bahn promises noticeable improvements in punctuality and reliability in the long term – even if passengers will have to be patient for the time being.

Source: Generalsanierung der Bahn wird wohl Jahre länger dauern | tagesschau.de