Germany's rail regulator orders DB to share high‑traffic routes

The Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) issued a final decision requiring DB InfraGo, the infrastructure arm of Deutsche Bahn, to allocate at least a quarter of capacity on heavily used long‑distance corridors – such as the Munich and Frankfurt nodes – to competing train operators. The measure is intended to open the market for the Italian high‑speed operator Italo, which plans to launch services in Germany in 2028.

Deutsche Bahn, the states of Bavaria and Brandenburg and other regional authorities have criticised the ruling, warning that it could reduce capacity for regional services and reshape the current cross‑subsidisation model. They have indicated they may challenge the decision in administrative courts. Industry groups representing freight and new passenger entrants have welcomed the move, arguing it will increase competition, improve service quality and lower prices.

The agency’s plan will be reflected in the 2028 network timetable, with the exact share of capacity (between 60 % and 75 % of the slots) to be set by DB InfraGo.