Less than the two -thirds of Germany’s long -distance trains moved on time in the first half of 2025, confirming concerns about functional credibility of Deutsche Bahn. According to the company’s chief executive, Richard Lutz, the main cause of frequent delays They are the “old infrastructure”.

Inconsistency on German railway routes

Deutsche Bahn data show that 36% of Trains Intercity Express, Intercity and Eurocity did not arrive or depart in time in the first half of the year. The company considers a “in time” route when the delay does not exceed *5: 59 minutes *. Larger delay is recorded in official statistics.

In 2024, the worst consistency was recorded for decades for long -distance German trains, which even led to the Minister of Transport Patrick Sninter to describe the national rail network in DPA as “neither reliable, nor consistent”.

Infrastructure and overload problems

Deutsche Bahn had set target precision Between 65% and 70% for 2025, but the first half was 64%. Mr Luts remains optimistic about achieving the original goal, noting that “we are not so far away from the goal we set to resign.”

About 80% of delays are attributed to the poor condition of infrastructure. As explained, the network faces not only problems due to age but also overload in several lines. Deutsche Bahn stresses that, although progress with renovations are made, the overall situation is more difficult than expected, as there are often needs for unexpected interventions in the midst of normal operation, with adverse effects on the passenger public.

Passenger strength in prolonged delays

Despite the repetitive problems, the demand for rail trips to Germany remains increased compared to last year. Richard Luts expresses the conviction that passengers show *understanding *about delays, recognizing: *”It is clear to everyone that it is not possible to renovate infrastructure from day to day, and for many decades there was no money” *.

Source: DPA