Italian rail operator Italo to launch high‑speed services in Germany from 2028

The Federal Network Agency has authorized the Italian high‑speed carrier Italo to operate in Germany, requiring DB InfraGo to allocate 25‑40 % of capacity on congested lines to competitors. Italo plans two initial routes: an hourly service from Munich via Frankfurt and Cologne to Dortmund, and a two‑hourly service from Munich through Berlin to Hamburg. The company will acquire 30 new high‑speed trains and aims to run 56 daily connections starting spring 2028. The move introduces direct competition to Deutsche Bahn on lucrative intercity corridors and is expected to spur lower fares, although the exact pricing remains unclear. Trade unions and Deutsche Bahn have voiced concerns about capacity constraints and the impact on existing services.