German Government Allocates €1.7 billion to Upgrade Trains with Digital Control System

The German Federal Ministry of Transport announced a new funding programme to equip national trains with the European Train Control System (ETCS), part of the broader European Rail Traffic Management System. Up to €1.7 billion will be made available through 2030, complemented by €482 million for the Digital Node Stuttgart (DKS) project.

The scheme offers subsidies of up to 60 % for series‑type equipment and up to 90 % for first‑of‑class variants. Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder said, “With our funding guideline we make the trains ready for a digitised rail infrastructure,” emphasizing the aim to improve punctuality, capacity and replace traditional optical signal systems.