German rail network faces pressure from new long‑distance operators and freight delays

The German rail association Bundesverband SchienenNahverkehr (BSN) warns that the entry of new long‑distance providers such as Italy's Italo could displace regional passenger services on heavily used lines. Because long‑distance trains pay higher track fees, BSN says they may be favoured under current regulations, and it calls for the protection of regional services under § 52 of the Eisenbahnregulierungsgesetz and for DB InfraGO to apply priority rules.

At the same time, Deutsche Bahn’s deteriorating infrastructure and extensive construction work are causing serious freight bottlenecks. Steel producers Salzgitter and Arcelor‑Mittal have reported supply‑chain disruptions, added costs and production cuts due to blocked routes in northern Germany. The private freight‑rail association has criticised the density of poorly coordinated construction sites, warned the transport ministry, and signalled it could withhold support for the current renovation plan unless better coordination and compensation measures are introduced.