Deutsche Bahn reports 40% increase in train delays

Philipp Nagl, head of the infrastructure division at Deutsche Bahn, has acknowledged a 40% increase in train delays in 2026. He attributed the service disruptions to the deteriorating state of the rail network, noting that extreme temperatures are damaging infrastructure and hindering rapid repairs.

According to Nagl, switches, overhead lines, and signaling systems are failing faster than they can be repaired across Germany. To address these issues, Deutsche Bahn is undertaking several major modernization projects, including work on the Hanover–Berlin line through 2027 and the heavily used Riedbahn between Frankfurt and Mannheim. A significant overhaul of the Hamburg–Hanover axis is also planned for 2029 to alleviate long-standing saturation.