Deutsche Bahn invests 470 million euros on rail network

Modern rail networks and new train stations are being built in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland

With a record investment of 470 million euros, the German railway company Deutsche Bahn (DB) announced a new working programme for rail network modernisation in two German federal states. Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland will have new train stations and rail tracks, as was announced yesterday in a press release by the company.

For 2021, DB plans to improve and create 100 kilometers of tracks, 90 rail points and 12 bridges. In addition, Deutsche Bahn is modernising 40 stops and train stations for travelers and visitors in both federal states. The investment would also support medium-sized and smaller stations.

Modern rail network to battle climate change

100 additional employees would have to be hired in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland, including 30 engineers and construction supervisors and 70 maintenance staff. The railway company announced that the burden of work on rails, switches and stations would be kept as low as possible for passengers. The disturbances in the network are today at the lowest value since the beginning of the recordings.

“The rail is at the heart of climate change. That is why we are investing more than ever before and are increasing the speed for the renovation and increasing capacity in the rail network,” said Ronald Pofalla, Member of the Board of DB.

Digitalisation of stations and networks will help train operations be more flexible and reliable. For that reason, new digital interlocking (DSTW) is being built in the section between Cochem and Ehrang and a new technology location at Wittlich train station in Rhineland-Palatinate, where signalling can be controlled centrally from the building.

12.7 billion euros are going to be invested this year in rail networks nationwide, which is half a billion euros more than last year's 12.2 billion.