Denmark allocates funds for IC5 trains amid DSB procurement criticism

The Danish government has proposed allocating 1.8 billion DKK in its budget draft to extend IC5 train services between Copenhagen and Struer, specifically covering the stretch between Vejle and Struer. Transport Minister Signe Munk stated the move aims to better connect urban and rural areas in Northwest Jutland. Additionally, the proposal includes 700 million DKK for speed upgrades near Ringsted and 400 million DKK for expansions at Copenhagen Central Station.

However, the National Audit Office (Rigsrevisionen) has issued a highly critical report regarding DSB’s procurement of 150 IC5 electric trains, which cost over 10 billion DKK. The audit describes the management of the purchase as “unsatisfactory,” noting weaknesses in supplier management, such as approving unrealistic schedules and paying for incomplete deliveries.

The delivery of the new trains has been delayed until at least 2026, three years later than originally planned, with a significant risk of further delays. These setbacks have resulted in direct costs of approximately 1.4 billion DKK for DSB, including life-extension measures for older IC4 trains, and lost savings of roughly 2.2 billion DKK.