Italo's German rail expansion threatened by Deutsche Bahn monopoly dispute

A dispute has broken out between Italo and Deutsche Bahn over access to Germany’s rail network. The Italian train operator wants to launch services in the country by 2028 but faces delays over usage terms. Italo’s CEO has now warned that Deutsche Bahn’s monopoly on long-distance travel could persist if no agreement is reached soon. Italo, the private Italian rail company, has set its sights on entering the German market. The firm intends to begin operations in 2028, offering long-distance passenger services. But negotiations with Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s state-owned rail operator, have hit a stumbling block.

The disagreement centres on the terms for using the country’s rail infrastructure. Italo claims the current conditions are unfavourable and could block its expansion plans. CEO Gianbattista La Rocca has publicly stated that without a resolution, Deutsche Bahn will maintain its dominance in long-distance travel. The warning comes as Italo pushes for fairer access to tracks and stations. The company argues that opening the market would benefit passengers by increasing competition. So far, however, no compromise has been reached between the two sides.

Italo’s planned 2028 launch now hangs in the balance. If talks fail, Deutsche Bahn will remain the sole provider of long-distance rail services in Germany. The outcome will determine whether new competitors can enter the market in the coming years.