German rail operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) says it needs 150 billion euros for the long-term modernisation of the outdated German rail network, which is the largest in Europe with a total length of around 34,000 kilometres.
“The railways have problems and they need to improve,” said CEO of the company’s supervisory board Werner Gatzer. “The infrastructure is too old, too crowded and too sensitive to disruptions.” He thinks that at least 150 billion euros is needed for investments in the next ten years.
The bad state of the German rail network makes transportation for both freight and passengers less than ideal. DB has been urging the German government to make massive investments in the country’s extensive rail network.
Rail fund
Early last year, German Transport Minister Volker Wissing proposed a fund, which would also include private investors, to finance the country’s infrastructure. However, the specific details have not yet been worked out. German industry associations have also supported the idea of a fund. Given the far-reaching problems with the German railways, they also believe that a long-term financial solution is needed.