Backlog of repairs in the network amounts to 130 billion euros, according to the German railway company - Germany's rail crisis deepens as maintenance backlog hits €136.5 billion

Germany's rail network faces a growing maintenance crisis. A new report shows the backlog has risen to €136.5 billion, up by €2.6 billion since 2022. Experts warn that urgent action is required to prevent further deterioration.

The financial strain on Deutsche Bahn's infrastructure has worsened over the past year. In 2023, the total maintenance backlog climbed to €136.5 billion, marking a €2.6 billion increase from 2022. This figure highlights the scale of deferred repairs and upgrades needed across the country's rail system.

To stop the backlog from expanding, industry analysts estimate that annual investments of around €20 billion are necessary. Without this funding, delays and service disruptions are likely to persist. The situation reflects long-standing challenges in maintaining and modernising Germany's ageing rail network.

The latest figures underscore the financial pressure on Germany's rail infrastructure. A sustained investment of €20 billion per year is now considered essential to stabilise the system. Without it, the backlog will continue to grow, affecting reliability and service quality.